Gophers' Tori McKinney named National Freshman of the Week

McKinney had a career-high performance last week against Penn State.

Tori McKinney / Pic via: GopherSports (YouTube)

Gophers' forward Tori McKinney has been named U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) National Freshman of the Week, after a breakout performance on Saturday against Penn State.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤⭐️

After dropping a career high 25 points in our @B1Gwbball Home Opener, @tori_mckinney_ has earned @USBWA honors!👏 #SkiUMah | #Gophers〽️ pic.twitter.com/Pp318E6wSs

— Minnesota Women's Basketball (@GopherWBB) December 31, 2024

McKinney scored a career-high 25 points on 7-12 shooting from the field and a perfect 8-8 mark from the free throw line. She added five rebounds, four assists and three steals in 33 minutes of play.

Hailing from Minnetonka, Minn., McKinney has emerged as a serious threat, starting the last nine games for the Gophers. Since star guard Mara Braun went down with an injury, she's averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Less than 10 months ago, McKinney won a Minnesota High School Class 4A State Championship with the Skippers, now she is one of the best players on a 13-1 Gophers team. Injuries to Braun and Taylor Woodson have tested Minnesota's depth, but McKinney has stepped up as a true freshman.

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