Kate Martin and the Laces BC kicked off their 'Unrivaled' campaign with a win against Sabrina Ionescu's Phantom. The Golden State Valkyries guard propped up a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Laces notched up an 86-48 win.
Coming off the bench, Martin provided that impetus with a layup, a three-pointer, and a rebound as the Laces raced off to a 12-2 run. The former Las Vegas Aces rookie then applied the finishing touches as the side inched closer to the 85-target mark. She scored the game-winner and later took to Instagram to celebrate.
Kate Martin and the Laces play Breanna Stewart and the Mist next with all eyes on the young guard again.
Kate Martin responds to Kelsey Plum's Huskies jersey going up the rafters
Earlier, Kate Martin responded to her former teammate Kelsey Plum's Huskies jersey retirement ceremony. Plum, a 2x WNBA champion had a stellar career with the Huskies that included the women's All-time scoring mark which was eventually broken by Caitlin Clark.
Jackie Young and Martin were some of the names to react with the latter responding:
"Congrats!"
Plum and Martin spent a season together with the Aces before the franchise made the Iowa Hawkeyes guard available ahead of the WNBA expansion draft last year. Las Vegas selected Martin as the 18th overall pick of the draft. Now, with the Valkyries, Martin is expected to spearhead floor general duties. She will share the floor alongside Kayla Thornton. Temi Fagbenle, and Julie Vanloo.
During her stint with the Aces, Martin averaged 19.3 minutes over her first ten games and made 37 percent of her 3s. With the injury-hit LV side returning to full health, the rookie's minutes saw a decline. With the side making sure of protecting superstars A’ja Wilson, Plum, Young, and Chelsea Gray, Martin was one of the players pegged to be unprotected ahead of the expansion draft.