When Kenny Brooks brought in Georgia Amoore, she understandably received much of the spotlight. Amoore, an All-American point guard with Final Four experience, is a proven playmaker and leader on the court. But while she may be the team’s catalyst, there are two other players who could be the biggest keys to Kentucky's success this season—and they both happen to be named Clara.
Clara Silva was the Cats leading scorer in their win over NKU🔥
— Rise Up Sports Media (@riseupsports1) November 8, 2024
18 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST | 5 BLK | 9/14 FG pic.twitter.com/qAlLBmvold
The perfect debut for Kentucky freshman Clara Silva 😤
— Posther Hoops (@postherhoops) November 5, 2024
▪ 14 points
▪ 7 rebounds
▪ 2 assists
▪ 6 blocks
▪ (6/6 FG, 2/2 FT)
▪ +25 box plus/minus
▪ +29 efficiency
▪ 23 minutes
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/CHPPUs5FO7
Feeding 6’7 freshman Clara Silva seems to be a big part of the gameplan… and it’s working.
— tanin smith #BBN (@TaninSmithKK) November 8, 2024
She’s up to 12 points in this one. Cats lead NKU 49-33.#BBN pic.twitter.com/A3IIKxHozA
Clara Silva and Clara Strack are two of the tallest players in Kentucky women’s basketball history. Silva, at 6'7", is tied for the tallest ever, while Strack isn’t far behind at 6'5". Together, they form a dominant duo in the paint, giving the Wildcats a powerful edge down low that could make all the difference come tournament time.
Strack is off to an impressive start, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal per game. Her stat line is remarkable for a player of her size, showing her versatility and ability to impact the game on multiple fronts.
Look at her go! @ClaraStrack 💥 pic.twitter.com/i2oY5ufJRs
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) November 7, 2024
Clara Strack tonight:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) November 8, 2024
15 PTS | 13 RBS | 8 AST | 4 BLK | 6-10 FG | 3-4 FT@KentuckyWBB beats Northern Kentucky, 70-41! 💙✨ pic.twitter.com/BQAv78fdqC
. @ClaraStrack with the double double. 🏀🏀
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) November 8, 2024
13p | 12r pic.twitter.com/3M07myr5kU
On the other hand, Silva is averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and an astonishing 5 blocks per game. With Silva’s defensive prowess and Strack’s all-around play, Kentucky’s frontcourt is as formidable as it has been maybe ever.
While Amoore’s leadership and playmaking abilities are essential, Silva and Strack will likely be the players who determine just how far Kentucky can go this season. For the Wildcats to make a deep tournament run, these two towering players must continue their dominant performances, protecting the rim, grabbing boards, and contributing on offense.
Averaging a combined 34 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, and 8 blocks per game, the Wildcats' frontcourt has the potential to be game-changing. The question remains for the upcoming opponents: Who can crack the Clara Code?
Kentucky takes the court again against Wofford November 12th at 6 PM.