The BYU women’s basketball team has made a significant acquisition with the addition of Kemery Martin, a Utah native and former player for the University of Utah. Martin, who also competed for Corner Canyon and Alta high schools, has announced her commitment to BYU, returning her talent to her home state. With one more year of college eligibility, she is poised to make a substantial impact on the team.
The Cougars are in need of new talent as they seek to fill up to six scholarships. With Rose Bubakar and Ali’a Matavao entering the transfer portal, and the graduation of Lauren Gustin and Kaylee Smiler, the team was facing some gaps. Additionally, Kailey Woolston and McKinley Willardson were called to church missions, leaving the team in need of fresh new players.
Martin recently completed a season at Cal, where she started all 30 games in the 2022-23 season. While her playing time and production declined last season, her experience and skills are expected to bring great value to the Cougars. Over her two seasons at Cal, she played 64 games and averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, with a 35.1% shooting average from the 3-point line.
Prior to her time at Cal, Martin began her collegiate career at the University of Utah in 2019, after winning the Gatorade Utah Player of the Year award for girls’ basketball in 2019. She played a total of 58 games for the Utes, averaging 6.6 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds, with a shooting average of 35.5% from the field and 28.6% from the 3-point line. Her impressive track record and experience make her a valuable addition to the BYU team.
Martin is the latest addition to the Cougars, joining the ranks of other new players such as Marya Hudgings, formerly of Santa Clara, and Hattie Ogden, who last played at Buffalo. Together, they are poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The addition of Martin strengthens the BYU women’s basketball team, adding depth and experience to the roster. Her return to Utah to play for BYU is an exciting development for the team and fans alike. With the upcoming season on the horizon, the Cougars are poised to showcase their strengthened lineup and make their mark on the court.