Clara Strack Breaks Kentucky WBB Block Record
On Thursday night, the Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team secured their biggest win of the season by dominantly defeating Tennessee. At the heart of this victory was sophomore center Clara Strack, whose all-around performance proved pivotal in the Wildcats’ success.
A Defensive Anchor: Breaking the Single-Season Block Record
Strack has been a defensive powerhouse all season, particularly as a shot blocker. Against the Volunteers, she recorded three blocks, bringing her season total to 67. This achievement set a new Kentucky single-season record, surpassing the previous mark of 66 blocks set by Victoria Dunlap during the 2009-10 season. Dunlap’s legendary campaign saw her named SEC Player of the Year and an All-American, and Strack now finds herself following in those historic footsteps.
This isn’t Strack’s first record-breaking moment. Earlier in the season, she set Kentucky’s single-game block record with an eight-block performance against Ole Miss on February 10, shattering the previous record held by DeNesha Stallworth in 2013.
Strack’s defensive contributions have also helped the Wildcats break the team single-season block record. With two blocks against Tennessee, Kentucky reached 182 total blocks this season, surpassing the 181 recorded by the 2012-13 squad. The Wildcats currently rank second in the nation in blocks per game, averaging seven per contest.
A Night for the Record Books
While Strack’s defensive prowess was on full display, her offensive efficiency was equally impressive. She went a perfect 11-for-11 from the field, setting a new school record for single-game field goal percentage (minimum 10 attempts). She finished with a team-high 23 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant players in the conference.
The Transfer That Transformed Kentucky
Strack transferred to Kentucky after spending her freshman year at Virginia Tech, where she played behind All-American center Elizabeth Kitley. She was one of four players who followed Head Coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky after he took over the program.
Since her arrival, Strack has flourished, averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. She has recorded double-digit points in 22 of 27 games this season, with 14 double-doubles and eight 20+ point performances. Her 2.5 blocks per game rank first in the SEC and seventh in the nation, while her 9.3 rebounds per game are fourth in the conference.
One of the Best in the Nation
Strack’s impact extends beyond just defense. She is one of just six NCAA players this season averaging at least 14 points and 2.5 blocks per game, and she has more assists than any other player on that list. Impressively, she is also the only underclassman among them.
Her stellar sophomore campaign has earned her recognition as one of 10 finalists for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year award, making her one of just two sophomores on the list.
Strack’s versatility is unmatched, as she remains the only NCAA Division I women’s basketball player to record a game with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, eight blocks, five steals, and three three-pointers made this season.
Looking Ahead: Strack’s Role in Kentucky’s Postseason Push
Strack’s journey to becoming a record-breaking force is a testament to her growth and development. As a freshman at Virginia Tech, she played limited minutes, averaging just 4.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 13.8 minutes of action. However, since transferring to Kentucky, she has doubled her playing time and emerged as a dominant two-way force, averaging 30.8 minutes per game.
Her presence in the paint has provided Kentucky with a defensive anchor, and as the postseason approaches, her continued excellence will be vital for the Wildcats’ aspirations. With Strack leading the charge, Kentucky is poised for a deep tournament run, and her legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats is already taking shape.
