Whitney Branham enjoyed quite a bit of success in her first three seasons at Chico State. She was named California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Freshman of the Year in 2015–16, and was an All-CCAA selection the past two years.
The Wildcats are just two games into the 2017–18 campaign, but the senior guard is already making a bid at delivering her finest season ever—and becoming a permanent fixture in the Chico State record books. Branham's high-volume point production makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.  Â
Branham averaged 24 points in Chico State's season-opening contests at the CCAA/PacWest Challenge in Rohnert Park. She shot a combined 50 percent from the field (16-for-32) over the two games, was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, and connected for six 3-pointers, snared five rebounds, dished out nine assists and grabbed four steals.
Branham kicked off the season by matching her single game career-high with 27 points Friday against Dominican, then followed up with a 21-point, five assist performance Saturday against Notre Dame de Namur. Her free throw with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter against the Argonauts represented a personal milestone, giving Branham 1,000 points in her Chico State career.
The Wildcat women's basketball team opens up CCAA play this Saturday when it travels to Arcata to take on Humboldt State. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.