No. 5 OU’s (14-1, 2-0 SEC) head coach Jennie Baranczyk spoke with the media Wednesday ahead of a matchup with No. 18 Mississippi (14-3, 1-1 SEC).
Here are key takeaways:
Sooners entering thick of SEC play
In the latest AP poll standings, OU jumped up to No. 5, its highest ranking since 2009. As excitement builds, they enter their toughest slate of games in the next two weeks. They will face four of the eight Southeastern Conference ranked squads, including No. 6 Kentucky and No. 3 South Carolina.
Despite big tests ahead, Baranczyk said her team isn’t focused on anything except the game ahead.
“We keep hearing this, ‘Your next four games,’ but that fifth game is probably just as tough,” Baranczyk said. “We're not paying attention to who those teams are yet; the only focus is (Mississippi).”
Baranczyk holds Mississipp in high regard. Though this is the fourth time the two teams have faced off in as many years, OU expects a challenge.
“You have to have a mindset that you're ready to go,” Baranczyk said. “This will be our fourth year in a row playing them, so you kind of feel like you know them from a system standpoint.”
Aaliyah Chavez continues to improve
As the Sooners get ready to jump into their hardest stretch of the season, they will continue to rely on five-star freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez to lead the team.
Chavez, currently sitting at No. 3 in the country in points per game, has been the instant spark OU had hoped for coming into the season. Baranczyk associates Chavez’s success with her composure.
“She goes into every game just wanting to play basketball. She doesn't look at who she's playing against; she doesn't watch the scoreboard.” Baranczyk said. “She just wants to play."
Chavez currently leads the team in both points and assists as she embraces her role as the primary ball handler in the Sooners’ offense. Baranczyk praised the freshman's consistency.
“You have to be ready every day,” Baranczyk said. “I think that that's her superpower. She resets every day and gives what she has every day.”
Defense among the nation’s best
OU’s defense, after allowing just 47 points to Mississippi State, ranks No. 1 in the country in opponent field goal percentage, holding opponents to just 29.8% a game.
Baranczyk credited some of the team's defensive ability to junior forward Sahara Williams.
“Sahara Williams has really elevated us the time that she's been here,” Baranczyk said. “She's in her third year, and you can see her everyday competitiveness and intensity just continuing to elevate. You can see it covers everybody.”
Williams ranks third on the team in scoring, second in rebounds and second in assists. Baranczyk credited both Williams and senior center Raeagan Beers for setting the tone for the program’s younger players. Beers currently leads the team in rebounds and is second in scoring.
“Sahara Williams wants to be a complete player on both sides,” Baranczyk said. “You have Reagan Beers, who's battling in there on both ends.”
She added that the effort from the veterans has created a ripple effect throughout the roster.
“Caya Smith, … Brooklyn Stewart (do what they do) because they're seeing the older players want to do that,” Baranczyk said.
The Sooners will tip off against the Mississippi at 6 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center on SECN+.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
