On Thursday, June 27, the
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will face off against the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, marking their first encounter in the 2024 season. This highly anticipated game will feature prominent stars such as A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum from the Aces. However, it is the rookies who are expected to draw significant attention. Among these rookies are Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso from the Chicago Sky, and Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces.
These rookies have already made notable impacts since their entry into the WNBA in April. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, in particular, have history with Kate Martin, having competed against her and Caitlin Clark in the last two NCAA Women’s National Championships. In 2023, Reese and her LSU team triumphed over Iowa, and in 2024, Cardoso and South Carolina emerged victorious against the Hawkeyes.
Just a few days before the upcoming Sky-Aces showdown, Kate Martin spoke about the influence Reese and Cardoso have had in the league. She succinctly described them with three words: “Big. Strong. Athletic.”
Martin expressed her admiration for their performance, saying, “I’m really happy for them for how they’ve been playing. They’re big, they’re strong, they’re athletic post players, and they go hard every play.” She went on to highlight their tenacity on the court, particularly their prowess in rebounding. “They rebound like crazy. They kind of hang their hats on that… They’re really good. I think everybody knows that, and everybody can see that,” Martin added, as reported by Fox5 Las Vegas reporter Paloma Villicana.
This matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces is not just about the veteran stars but also a showcase of the promising new talent in the league. Reese, Cardoso, and Martin have all played pivotal roles in their teams since joining the WNBA, bringing fresh energy and skills to the court. Their previous encounters in college championships add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to this game.
The Thursday game is expected to be a thrilling contest, with the rookies playing a central role in the dynamics of the match. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these young players will perform on such a significant stage, potentially setting the tone for their careers in the league. As they step onto the court, all eyes will be on Reese, Cardoso, and Martin to see how they rise to the occasion and contribute to their teams’ efforts against formidable opponents.
