Nothing is going the Chicago Sky’s way. The team has now dropped eight straight games and sits at a dismal 5-21 on the season. To make matters worse, star forward Angel Reese is sidelined with a back injury. Yet, amid the gloom, Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh sees a spark of hope, the return of rookie guard Hailey Van Lith.
The eleventh overall pick in this year’s draft, Van Lith impressed during her final collegiate season at TCU, where she averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. After missing time with an injury, she’s finally back in the lineup. And Marsh believes her return could help shift the team’s energy.
In the postgame conference following a loss to the Mercury, Marsh found a silver lining in Van Lith’s return. “I think her work ethic is something that is widely known about Hailey. I think that drive and that passion are what fuel her to be able to bounce back from adversity like this with her injury. And she wants to be out there for her teammates. Her teammates are excited to have her back,” Chicago Sky head coach said.
Marsh added that Van Lith’s debut season has not been great due to an ankle injury. But her consistent growth and ability to learn will be the reason for her longevity in this league. While Marsh has high hopes for Van Lith, her debut season in the W has not gone so bright. She has played 22 games for Sky, averaging 4.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. These numbers are a stark contrast to her collegiate season. Despite this lackluster showing, Angel Reese believes in her teammate.
Angel Reese shows support for struggling Hailey Van Lith
Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith’s bond runs deeper than just being Chicago Sky teammates. The two were stars together at LSU. And now, as Van Lith navigates a rocky rookie season, Reese remains firmly in her corner. However, the latest show of support didn’t come on the court, but on social media.
Van Lith recently posted a carousel of her tunnel outfits with the caption, “Like your fav H.” The comments section quickly lit up with praise from around the league, led by none other than Reese. “All,” a one-word nod of approval from the Chi-town Barbie, showing her support to her teammate. Lexie Brown and Kalani Brown followed suit with supportive replies of their own.
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 08: LSU Lady Tigers guard Hailey Van Lith 11 huddles with teammates guard Mikaylah Williams 12, forward Angel Reese 10, and guard Aneesah Morrow 24 during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and LSU Lady Tigers, February 8, 2024 at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee.Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 08 Women s – LSU at Vanderbilt EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon24020730
But their connection goes beyond fashion. Van Lith recently spoke out in defense of Reese amid criticisms of her selfish playing style. “Whenever she has the ball and I’m in the vicinity, I’m 100% moving my feet to try and get a window to be open, because I know that she’s looking for me,” Van Lith said during a podcast appearance. She added that Reese is constantly encouraging her to “knock threes down.”
The chemistry between the two LSU alums is clear, and if head coach Tyler Marsh can harness it on the court, it could be the spark the struggling Sky so desperately need. The duo of Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith will next appear against Washington on August 5.
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