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Arizona Women’s Basketball: Aari McDonald leading the NCAA in scoring

By Eric Townsend

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 14: A detail image of basketballs before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 14, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona won 63-43. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 14: A detail image of basketballs before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 14, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona won 63-43. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Women’s Basketball is rolling again, largely in part but the NCAA’s leading scorer and Wildcat guard, Aari McDonald.

Arizona Women’s Basketball is on the up! Now a week since losing a tough game to Loyola Marymount, the Wildcats are cruising behind the production of Aari McDonald.

Now a redshirt sophomore, McDonald was originally a standout at Brookside Christian High School in Fresno, CA before committing to Washington and then assistant coach Adia Barnes in 2016.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Fast forward a couple years, and Barnes is now the head coach at her alumnus, Arizona. Perhaps fittingly, McDonald followed suit, transferring to Tucson following a tremendous freshman season with the Huskies.

Initially devoid of superior depth and elite talent, Barnes is quickly changing the culture in Tucson from a losing one to a winning one. Slowly, but surely, the talent is flocking to McKale and McDonald is leading that charge.

McDonald sat out last season as per transfer rules, but finally she is getting her time to shine. Already four games into the season, and the redshirt sophomore is leading the NCAA in scoring.

So far, McDonald is averaging 29.5 points per game, to go along with an average of 4.3 assists and 6.8 rebounds.

Her play has been so good, she was named the Pac-12 player of the week! She’s also the first Wildcat to earn this distinction since 2015!

Coincidentally, with her playing so well, she’s helping to the Wildcats to some nice, early victories in the season. Through four games, the Wildcats are 3-1, with the lone loss coming against a solid LMU team, by two points.

The average margin of victory so far? Just over 25 points per win. Granted the competition hasn’t been stellar, but this is a great step in the right direction.

For comparison, last season, Arizona won by an average of 13.5 points. Of course I don’t expect Arizona to keep up that pace, but so far they seemingly are winning the games that they should, and by a comfortable margin too!

The play by McDonald has truly been beneficial and certainly welcomed! Here’s a little video put together by the athletic department last season, to get to know your Wildcat guard!

More. On Arizona Basketball. light

At Zona Zealots, we are proud of the way Aari and the Wildcats are playing and only hope they can continue their success! Bear Down, Arizona!

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