The Wildcats have been looking for a reliable low-post scoring threat for the past couple of seasons, and with the rise of McKenzie Dalthorp’s game, Head Coach Brian Fogel’s search may finally be over. The junior from Beaverton, Ore. has led Chico State in the points column in both of the ’Cats’ wins on the young season, and played a big part in last Tuesday’s conference-opening 78-42 victory over Cal State Stanislaus. Her efforts have scored Dalthorp the Wildcat of the Week award.
Dalthorp tallied 15 points – 13 in the second half – and grabbed seven rebounds in just 23 minutes of action in the Wildcats’ 36-point road victory over the Warriors (it was Chico State’s most lopsided win since beating Cal State Dominguez Hills 85-34 on Jan. 23, 2010). It was nearly identical to Dalthorp’s 16-point, six rebound performance in Chico State’s Nov. 20 season-opening win over Fresno Pacific.
Dalthorp, who averaged just under seven points a game last season, is shooting 55 percent early in the season to lead the Wildcats with a 15.5 points-per-game average, as well as snaring 6.5 rebounds a contest.
The Wildcats play their first home games of the 2012-13 campaign this weekend when they host Cal Poly Pomona Friday and Humboldt State Saturday at Acker Gym.
