The Iowa Hawkeyes have a 10-1 record and occupy the fourth spot in the AP Polls. Whereas in the Big Ten, they occupy the numero uno spot. But while everyone applauds their star Caitlin Clark for this incredible run, not many speak of their supporting players like Hannah Stuelke who often plays a connector between layups.

Stuelke is a celebrity in her own right and deserves a lot of appreciation. She averages a respectable 12.8 points in the eight matches she has played so far for the Hawkeyes. She stands at the second spot in points average, only behind their star Clark. She has not only wrecked havoc in offense but has also proved her mettle in defense.

Season so far for Stuelke

Stuelke averages 6.1 rebounds per game which shows she is much of a contributor in defense. The 6-feet-2-inch occupies the third spot in rebounds average behind Clark and the second number positioned Sydney Affolter.

With Clark nabbing 6.9 rebounds per match, the difference in rebounds is not as great as the points average. This also means that the Iowa play as a unit in their defense and most of their players can be relied upon when the opponents try to raid their ranks.

Stuelke performed extremely well against the Wisconsin Badgers when she basketed 21 points with 3 rebounds and an equal number of assists. She had an 8-for-15 field goal tally and a 5-for-8 free throw stat.

Her stats are enough to provide evidence that she relies more on the field goals than she does on free throws or three-pointers. This also make her a moderately better shooter than most of her teammates.

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Her other commendable performance had come against the Northern Iowa Panthers in which she dropped 16 points in the 12 minutes she played. Again she made her a place in the heart of the Iowa supporters by having a 6-for-9 field goal stat. The sophomore forward also seized seven rebounds in the process. Thus Stuelke has been a key player for the Hawkeyes during this season.

Task ahead of Stuelke

Stuelke missed out on her only double-double this season when she grabbed 11 rebounds but could only pot 9 points against the Kansas State Wildcats. If Stuelke wants to continue contributing to the Hawkeyes campaign she would have to keep on improving with each game and also make sure she maintains her field goal percentage and better her free throws.

Stuelke is such a major force for her Hawkeyes that the fans panicked when she injured her right ankle during a contest against the Purdue Wayne Fort in the opening game of the Gulf Coast Showcase. Stuelke had to miss out on three games against the Florida, the Kansas, and the Bowling Green Falcons.

The Iowa-born could only play for 16 minutes against the Purdue and sent her fans into a state of confusion. Thankfully, she was fit soon and then battled it out against the Iowa State Cyclones.

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If Stuelke continues to support Clark as she has done and be the connecting player during layups, then the Hawkeyes can be sure of being top contenders for this year’s NCAA title.