The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team is set to spend their Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S. Virgin Islands, competing in the Paradise Jam Island Tournament. The Wildcats have participated in this tournament on three previous occasions, with a successful five-game winning streak and two tournament titles to their name.
In their last appearance in 2018, Kentucky came out victorious by defeating South Florida, UCLA, and North Carolina. They went undefeated and were crowned champions. Former players Rhyne Howard and Taylor Murray were recognized for their outstanding performances and were named to the All-Tournament Team, with Howard also receiving the Most Valuable Player award.
This season, Kentucky currently holds a 2-2 overall record as they head into the Paradise Jam Tournament. It will be their first time facing ranked teams this season. The team has had to adjust their starting lineup in the absence of star guard Maddie Scherr, with three different lineups used in the last three games.
Leading the charge for the Wildcats this season is Ajae Petty, who leads the team in scoring (16.3) and rebounding (12.3). Petty is also leading the Southeastern Conference in rebounds per game. Alongside her, Amiya Jenkins, a Kentucky native and former Miss Kentucky Basketball, has also contributed to the team’s scoring efforts, including a career-high 18 points in their recent loss against Florida Gulf Coast.
Kentucky has shown a strong defensive presence, holding their opponents to an average of 61.8 points per game while averaging 66.8 points per game themselves. Additionally, the Wildcats have outrebounded all four of their opponents so far this season.
Fans can catch all the action of the Paradise Jam Island Tournament on ESPN+, with Brad Wells and Kevin Lehman providing the play-by-play commentary. Alternatively, the UK Sports Network and 630 AM WLAP will be broadcasting the games, featuring the Voice of the Wildcats, Darren Headrick, behind the microphone.
For more updates and information on the Kentucky women’s basketball team, make sure to visit UKathletics.com or follow @KentuckyWBB on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
