Playing a post position may not be the most glamorous job on the basketball court, but McKenzie Dalthorp has carved out a very impressive career underneath the basket for the Chico State women's basketball team. It's certainly come at a price – for all the rebounding, shot-altering defense and points in the paint she's contributed to the Wildcat cause, Dalthorp has absorbed constant elbowing, been jostled for position and incurred frequent collisions on a nightly basis. It's this type of dirty work that has established the Beaverton, Ore. native as one of the most respected post players in the CCAA, and her skills were once again on prominent display last weekend at Acker Gym against Cal State East Bay and Cal State Monterey Bay. Dalthorp's hard-nosed efforts make her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Dalthorp scored 18 points, shooting 50 percent (8-for-16) from the field. She also pulled down a combined eight rebounds and added three assists as the 'Cats split their weekend contests to improve to 9-5 on the season and 5-5 in conference play.
Friday against Cal State East Bay, Dalthorp scored 10 points and grabbed two rebounds, though the Wildcats ultimately fell to the Pioneers 64-61. Against Cal State Monterey Bay Saturday, Dalthorp contributed eight points, hauled in six boards and dished out a season-high three assists as the 'Cats disposed of the Otters 62-48.
Dalthorp is averaging 10.1 points on the season, and has scored at least eight points in all 14 games the Wildcats have played in 2013-14. She leads the CCAA in field goal percentage, connecting on 53.8 percent of her shots, and currently ranks ninth in Chico State history in career field goal percentage (47.9 percent).
Dalthorp and Chico State return to action Thursday, traveling to Southern California to take on Cal Poly Pomona, followed by a Saturday showdown in Arcata against Humboldt State.
