Angel Reese had “chills” leading up to the Sky’s exhibition game at LSU, her alma mater. So did Kamilla Cardoso, who was playing vs home team, Brazil. They would have forgotten all about it, though, when the buzzer sounded and smiles lit up– the Sky had kicked off the campaign with a win. But if they are going to keep that happy energy throughout the season, they’ve got to show up way stronger than they did last year with their dismal 13-27 record. A big part of that means making sure Cardoso and Reese show up big. 

While we’ll have to wait and see how they perform this season, Reese’s former coach made sure to show her love already. Kim Mulkey let everyone know that Reese and Cardoso are her faves, calling them “two of the best post players in the college game” during the broadcast. Those are some serious words to live up to.

But both Sky stars were truly regarded as two of the most dominant post players in college basketball during their time at LSU and South Carolina, respectively. Their presence in the paint was formidable, with Reese known for her aggressive rebounding and scoring ability, and Cardoso for her size and shot-blocking prowess. They are no joke when it comes to dominating the paint.

You must recall the Brazilian baller’s performance in the undefeated season finale of the Gamecocks. To cap off the perfect season, she recorded 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks, leading her team to victory. Meanwhile, the double-double queen always did what she does best. Multiple double-double games.  It has very well translated into the pros. 

Reese has quickly become a rebounding monster in the WNBA. In her rookie season, she set a new WNBA single-season record with 405 total rebounds. Not just that, but she also broke the record for offensive rebounds with 163. Meanwhile, Cardoso stands tall at 6’7″, letting the size and wingspan make her a nightmare in the low block. 

However, she needs a big season to solidify her status, no doubt about it. Her coach, Marsh, knows just how crucial she is to the team, saying, “She knows how important she is to us from a defensive and offensive standpoint.” That’s high praise, and rightly so—her potential is through the roof. Her last season wasn’t the splash everyone expected. Cardoso got off to a rough start after injuring her shoulder in the preseason opener, sidelining her for a bit.

But when she got rolling, especially during that six-game stretch in September, she was showing exactly why the Sky invested in her—14.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 32 minutes on average. That was a solid preview of what’s to come. And remember, her rookie averages were 9.8 points and 7.9 boards in 27.4 minutes. For Cardoso to really shine this season, though, it’ll come down to Reese expanding her game. The more Angel Reese can develop that shot from outside the restricted area, the better for Cardoso’s impact.

We all know Reese can board like no other. But if she starts pulling up from the mid-range or even beyond, that’ll open up so much more for Cardoso and the Sky’s offense. We’ll find out soon what these sophomores brings to the court and prove whether Mulkey’s words were gold.

For now, the rookie had her own moment and stole the show. Hailey Van Lith made her mark with her first preseason bucket and it was an AND-1. Her ‘big sister’s’ bench reaction says it all, by the way. She was so hyped up after a tough bucket.

And as much as everyone is looking forward to Reese’s improved game, this LSU-duo is also something fans are excited about. Will this reunion bring some luck to the Sky Town? First preseason game in, and the answer looks… YES.

Angel Reese & HVL lead the preseason party back home

Angel Reese was back where it all began — and she brought the party with her. The Chicago Sky’s preseason opener wasn’t just a game, it was a whole homecoming celebration. Reese lit up the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in front of 6,373 screaming fans, many rocking Sky tees and No. 5 Reese jerseys. 

They made sure to cheer for every single move she and Hailey Van Lith made. Right from the jump, it felt special. Reese was all smiles the second she walked into the building, her LSU kingdom. Van Lith, who spent a year at LSU (and graduated from TCU), was right there with her soaking it all in. Before the game tipped off, both were honored with a sweet highlight reel and flowers from none other than Kim Mulkey. A little LSU love before the W takes over.

Now onto the game, both did not disappoint. 

Chi-Town Barbie led in points and rebound while HVL topped assists. Reese dropped 15 points, snagged 10 boards, and just looked like she belonged. Van Lith came off the bench in the third quarter to a full-on ovation and finished with seven points, five assists, and three boards. Cardoso added six points and eight rebounds. Kia Nurse chipped in 11, and the Sky as a whole looked smooth. A big shoutout to Courtney Vandersloot too, who played her first game for Sky in 2 years and took charge like the floor general she is.

The result was Sky walking away with an 89-62 win, under new head coach Tyler Marsh and a totally revamped lineup. So if this is what the preseason looks like, you know we’re in for something special once the real games begin. Next stop for Angel Reese & Co. is Wintrust Arena where they face Minnesota Lynx.