It's been a bumpy road recently for the Chico State women's basketball team, but one bright spot that is sure to reap benefits for years to come is the swift maturation of point guard Whitney Branham. In addition to stepping in as a freshman to quarterback the Wildcats offense, she's quickly established herself as one of the team's top scoring options. Last weekend Branham played a combined 71 minutes and filled up the stat sheet with a pair of quality performances to make her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
The native of Stevenson Ranch averaged a team-high 14 points in games against Humboldt State and Cal State San Bernardino while also contributing seven rebounds and three assists to the 'Cats attack. Branham has now scored 10 or more points in six consecutive games and in eight of the Wildcats' 12 contests so far this season.
Friday against Humboldt State Branham buried a 3-pointer and connected on nine of 10 from the free throw line on the way to a 14-point effort in the Wildcats' 89-84 loss to the Lumberjacks. Chico State didn't generate a whole lot of offense Saturday, dropping a 56-45 decision to Cal State San Bernardino, but that didn't stop Branham from shooting 6-for-13 from the field and leading the 'Cats with 14 points on the night.
Branham is currently second on the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 9.9 points a game. She is also one of the top foul shooters in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, ranking sixth in the conference – and 39th in the nation – with a free throw percentage on .870.
Branham and the Wildcats continue their two-week homestand when they take on San Francisco State Friday and Sonoma State Saturday at Acker Gym.
