ITHACA, N.Y. - While senior forward and co-captain Laura Bagwell-Katalinich will be a face to watch among the Big Red forwards this season, Cornell has a number of hidden gems on the roster that are ready to make a massive impact for the Big Red this year.
Bagwell-Katalinich will be a catalyst for the Big Red this season after becoming only the 11th student-athlete in Cornell women's basketball history to be named first-team All-Ivy League a season ago. Last year, she put together one of the best seasons in Cornell women's basketball history, finishing the year ranked in the top-10 on the Big Red's single season charts in points per game (ninth – 16.1), field goals made (seventh – 167), free throw percentage (tenth - .842), and offensive rebounds (fifth – 86). Bagwell Katalinich led the team in scoring (16.1 ppg) and rebounding (7.9), becoming just the third Big Red player in program history to finish a season ranked in the top-10 in both points (419) and rebounds (206) for a single season. Her composure from the free throw line was evident, as her free throw percentage of .842 not only led the Ivy League, but 47th in the nation last season.
A team relies on its' captain for consistency, and that's what Bagwell-Katalinich illustrated last season. She scored in double-digits in 21 consecutive games over the course of the season, reaching the 20 point plateau on nine occasions. Bagwell-Katalinich was constantly Cornell's go-to, leading the Big Red in scoring in 21 of 25 games and being the team's top rebounder 12 times. With a season of Ivy League play now under her belt, teams now know just how dangerous Bagwell-Katalinich can be, and she will have to use her craft to her advantage this season to stifle the opposition once again.
"Laura is a very good basketball player – she's smart, crafty, deceptive with her athleticism, and puts a lot of time into her game," said Dayna Smith, the Rebecca Quinn Morgan '60 Head Coach of Women's Basketball. "The biggest challenge for her game this year is going to be that she's not going to be a surprise. The league is going to be ready for her. I think that challenge personally for her is going to be fun to watch."
While Bagwell-Katalinich might not be a surprise this season, there are several other forwards on the Big Red roster that have the ability to catch Cornell's opponents off guard. While teams will undoubtedly focus on attempting to shut Bagwell-Katalinich down, they don't have the liberty of putting all their eggs in one basket when it comes to their defensive schemes. With a strong supporting cast of forwards behind Bagwell-Katalinich, Cornell has the chance to make teams pay if they come into a game with this mindset. Multiple Cornell forwards have the ability to step up in a big way and are capable of stepping into the spotlight when called upon.
Junior Halley Miklos and sophomore Theresa Grace Mbanefo will be vital members of the Big Red rotation this season after coming into their own in 2018-19. Miklos returns this year after seeing action in all 26 contests last season and making 17 starts. Miklos is a player that pays attention to detail, doing all the little things that make a big difference. She finished the 2018-19 season ranked third on the team in points (4.7) and rebounds (3.4) per games, scoring in double figures on three occasions.
"Halley is playing the best basketball we've seen her play," said Smith. "She's doing the little things, she's executed what we've asked her to, and she's just very reliable. She's not going to be the leading scorer, but she's going to put in the hard work, get rebounds, and be in the right place at the right time."
Mbanefo was a blocking machine for the Big Red last season, leading the team in blocks (21) and ranking fifth in the Ivy League in blocked shots per game (0.8). Her presence in the paint was undeniable, and her floor presence as a rookie was even more valuable, as she saw the most playing time of any freshman during the 2018-19 season. She had a solid freshman campaign, being named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week on Dec. 31 for her 12-point, nine rebound performance vs. Hampton. Given this, Mbanefo will be leaned upon more heavily in 2019-20, and she is up for the challenge.
"Theresa Grace has come in and earned good time in practices and scrimmages through explosive play," said Smith. "As a freshman, she was super athletic, but was constantly thinking. What we are seeing now is that her game is starting to become more reactive. She's playing in the moment, and when she plays like that, she's going to be one of the most athletic people on the court. We expect some big things out of her this season."
Junior Elodie Furey will further strengthen the Cornell front court. After missing a large portion of the 2018-19 season due to illness, Furey is back with a vengeance this year and is ready to get to work. As a freshman in 2017-18, Furey started 10 games, the most of any freshman on the roster, while seeing action in 25 contests. Furey posted a team-high 18 blocked shots, also ranking third on the team in rebounds per game (3.8). With Furey back at full-go, the blocking-duo of Furey and Mbanefo will be fun to watch.
Similar to the Cornell guards, the Big Red forwards have several seniors to look up to for guidance in Bagwell-Katalinich, Stephanie Umeh and Reena Olsen. Umeh plays with great intensity when she hits the floor, seeing action in 23 games as a junior. Olsen has the ability to make teams uncomfortable in the paint, while also dishing out the ball well. She saw action in 10 games last season, notching six assists.
Sophomore Annika Hoff and freshman Anna Hovis complete the talented group of Big Red forwards. Hoff played in 11 games as a rookie and had a strong collegiate debut against #23 Minnesota, going 3-of-3 for six points and chipping in five rebounds.
Hovis was a 2019 McDonald's All-American nominee, being named second team All-Arlington as a senior, honorable mention all-conference as a junior, and third-team all-conference as a sophomore. She helped Bishop O'Connell to a Virginia state runner-up finish as a freshman before guiding the team to three consecutive quarterfinal finishes.
With a number of weapons to throw at opponents, the Big Red forwards are ready to keep the opposition guessing all season as it strives to take Cornell women's basketball to the next level.
The Big Red women's basketball team will open the 2019-20 season at Albany on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at SEFCU Arena in Albany, N.Y.
Women's Basketball Outlook Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 31 – Part One, 2018-19 Round Up and a Look Ahead
Friday, Nov. 1 – Part Two, Leadership
Monday, Nov. 4 – Part Three, Guards
Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Part Four, Forwards
