Tag: Laila Hull

Big second quarter, suffocating defense the difference maker in UNC WBB win over NC A&T

The UNC women’s basketball team passed its first road test on Tuesday evening, beating North Carolina A&T in a closer-than-expected game.

Tuesday night wasn’t pretty for the UNC women’s basketball team, but it found a way to win.

The Tar Heels made their first-ever trip to Greensboro, matching up with a strong North Carolina A&T squad in its home opener. UNC entered with a pair of blowout victories, while the Aggies lost at Rice by one (61-60) on Thursday, Nov. 7.

With both teams tied at 16 three minutes into the second quarter, North Carolina closed the half on a 19-5 run, distancing itself and using lockdown defense to nab a 66-47 victory.

The Tar Heels moved to 3-0 in the process, snagging a much-needed win ahead of their massive, Friday non-conference matchup with 11-time national champion UConn.

UNC struggled clicking offensively, but the defense was exceptional – whether it was blocked shots, great lateral quickness or ability to get back.

North Carolina forced 21 A&T turnovers, as starting guard Reniya Kelly leading all players with five steals. Kelly was one of eight Tar Heels who generated a steal, including everyone in the entire starting lineup – and one of four with multiple steals – joined by Laila Hull, Lexi Donarski and Richmond transfer Grace Townsend.

UNC blocked five shots, led by two from its 5-star, towering freshman center Blanca Thomas. North Carolina never let the host Aggies score more than 13 points in a single quarter, while North Carolina never scored any less than 12 points in a quarter.

On a night where the Tar Heel offense struggled to find consistency, Hull, the redshirt freshman guard, stepped up to lead her team with 14 points. Lexi Donarski was the only other UNC player in double-digits, scoring 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting and two made free throws.

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UNC women’s basketball signee named Ms. Basketball in Indiana

Future North Carolina Tar Heel Leila Hull named Ms. Basketball.

The North Carolina women’s basketball program took a hit in the transfer portal. However, despite the talent leaving, some amazing players like Indiana’s Ms. Basketball Leila Hull are coming.

The four-star forward of the 2023 class received the honor of Ms. Basketball during the 2023 Indiana High School Sports Awards show. Hull received the honor a month after being named the Gatorade Indiana Girls basketball player of the year.

The amount of talent coming to UNC is fulfilling, especially with the return of Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby. Hull will be a perfect addition to the program, teaming up with other incoming recruits like Reniya Kelly and Ciera Toomey.

Hull led Zionsville high school to a 20-3 record, eventually making it to the Class 4A sectional semifinals. The four-star recruit averaged 22.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game. In addition, the 6’1 small forward was a nightmare for opposing offenses, averaging 2.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

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UNC signee Laila Hull named Gatorade Indiana Girls basketball player of the year

North Carolina women’s basketball signee Laila Hull was named Gatorade Indiana Girls basketball player of the year.

The momentum of the North Carolina women’s basketball program has been building over the years, with top recruits choosing UNC as their home.

As the Tar Heels prepare to compete for an NCAA title, their signee Laila Hull was named the Gatorade Indiana Girls basketball player of the year. 

Hull joins other North Carolina signee Reniya Kelly as their state representative for the women’s high school Gatorade player of the year—two players who bring great shooting to an already high-scoring UNC offense. 

Hull led Zionsville high school to a 20-3 record, eventually making it to the Class 4A sectional semifinals. The four-star recruit averaged 22.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game. In addition, the 6’1 small forward was a nightmare for opposing offenses, averaging 2.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. 

It is hard not to get excited about the team building at UNC. 

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North Carolina women’s basketball team adds four-star to their 2023 class

The North Carolina women’s basketball program has snagged another recruit for their 2023 class as they continue to build up the program.

Something special is brewing for the UNC women’s basketball program, as it was announced that four-star Indiana forward [autotag]Laila Hull[/autotag] has committed to the 2023 class.

Hull announced the decision via Instagram, wearing the same number Tierra Ruffin-Pratt wore at her time in UNC (#44) Carolina jersey. In the same post, she thanked her family, teammates, friends, and coaches while expressing her excitement for the opportunity to play at UNC.

Hull is a 6-foot-1 senior who plays lockdown defense, is a quick bucket, and snags rebounds off the glass. In her first three years at Zionsville High School, she has averaged 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Last season in her junior year, she nearly averaged a double-double, finishing with an average of 20.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

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Hull joins a talented 2023 class that includes five-star center Ciera Toomey and four-star recruits Rylee Grays and Reniya Kelly as UNC looks to connect pieces for a national championship puzzle.

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