Treasure Hunt (Vicky Graff Photo)
After blowing a 10-point lead and losing a game to Ole Miss Sunday that cost it a double-bye in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Kentucky could use a boost in the postseason. Freshman Treasure Hunt, UK’s highest-rated recruit, might be ready to provide that spark if given the chance.
She played significant minutes in last week’s win at Georgia and contributed to the win. She was an offensive bright spot in the 73-69 Ole Miss loss as she was 3-for-5 from the field and finished with eight points and two rebounds.
With teams concentrating on All-American Rhyne Howard as they should, Kentucky needs another offensive spark to go with Chasity Patterson. Junior Blair Green had done that at times before losing her starting spot and her production and playing time have both gone down in recent games.
“I’m really proud of Treasure,” coach Krya Elzy said after the Ole Miss loss. “I thought she came in and gave us some really solid minutes in Georgia, and also today, but last week she had one of her best practices. The lightbulb went off.
“She continues to get better and better. She was efficient offensively. I thought she held her own defensively. That’s what we’ll need from Treasure going down the stretch.”
Patterson, UK’s second-leading scorer, was just as proud of Hunt, who has patiently waited for her chance to play this season.
“She came in and stepped up big time for us. Got a couple of offensive rebounds, got to the line,” Patterson said after Sunday’s loss.
“She has so much potential here at Kentucky, and it’s just the beginning for her and her career. So, I’m excited to see how we move forward with her.”
