As the assistant coach watches a five-star thriller, the Iowa women’s basketball signee shines. On Saturday afternoon, an Iowa women’s basketball signee was the center of attention, and she did not let anyone down. Future Hawkeye star McKenna Woliczko put on a dominant performance in one of the most thrilling high school games of the season, and Iowa assistant coach LaSondra Barrett watched from the stands, savoring every second of a double-overtime classic in California.
In a big game, an Iowa women’s basketball signee excels. No. 3 Archbishop Mitty took on undefeated No. 1 Ontario Christian in a highly anticipated top-three matchup at the Kay Yow Showcase inside Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. After an exciting double-overtime contest, Ontario Christian prevailed 96-87 to improve to 20-0 for the season. McKenna Woliczko was the Monarchs’ lifeblood despite the defeat. The 6-foot-2 forward demonstrated why she is considered one of the most influential players in the nation and a key component of Iowa’s future in just her fourth game of the season.
Woliczko shot an effective 10-for-17 from the field to finish with 25 points. She controlled the glass with 15 rebounds, made her lone three-point attempt, and went 4-for-5 at the free-throw line. It was a comprehensive, two-way performance that was noteworthy even in defeat when you factor in four assists and two blocks over the course of 33 minutes and 45 seconds. The poise was evident for a player who was still getting comfortable with her season. When Archbishop Mitty needed a response, she consistently delivered, fought through physical defense, and made astute readings under duress. It was the type of performance that works on any level.
With that performance, Woliczko’s season averages increased to 19.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, her fourth consecutive double-double. Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. She was a five-star priority for Iowa because of her leadership, presence, and effort on every possession. LaSondra Barrett, an assistant coach for Iowa women’s basketball who traveled to assess her potential player in person, was keeping a close eye on things. Moments like these are important to recruits. Woliczko obviously welcomed the support, and it says volumes that a member of the coaching staff was committed enough to attend.
Barrett had an additional reason for traveling. On the other side was Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian, the top-ranked 2027 recruit in the country. Smith put on an incredible performance of her own after receiving an offer from Iowa on June 1. Smith scored an incredible 50 points to lead all scorers. She was 5-for-20 from beyond the arc, shot 18-for-38 from the field, and made 9-of-10 free throws. In 39 minutes and 12 seconds of play, she also contributed six rebounds, four steals, and three assists, continuously making the defense change.
Both teams displayed exceptional talent in the game, and Barrett received a priceless in-person assessment of two players who have the potential to significantly impact Iowa’s future. No. 14 Iowa, back in the college ranks, has a lot of momentum going into Sunday. As they get ready to play Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, the Hawkeyes are 13-2 overall and 4-0 in Big Ten play. The Big Ten Network’s tipoff time is 4 p.m. CT.
Iowa’s staff will surely rely on Barrett’s first-hand scouting report from California as conference play heats up. While Smith’s explosion only heightens interest in Iowa’s ongoing recruiting efforts, performances like Woliczko’s confirm why the Hawkeyes’ future appears bright. It served as a reminder to Iowa supporters that the program’s upcoming talent is already making waves on some of the biggest stages in the sport.
