Regan Schenck Proves to be X-Factor in NAU’s Impressive Start

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 8, 2021) – At the beginning of the fall, the Northern Arizona University women's basketball program prepared for a season unlike any other.

With only one returning starter set to be on the court as the season started at the end of November, junior Regan Schenck's hard work throughout the offseason wound up paying off even sooner than she may have expected.

"It's crazy because Nina is out right now, Khia is just now coming back, Cat left and Lauren is redshirting this season. The only other starter returning is Jacey," Schenck said. "For me, it was kind of a lot of pressure, like I needed to come back. I don't want our team to take a step back because of all these players that are sitting out temporarily. At the same time, it was a big opportunity for me. It was super important for me to do the best I can with that opportunity to prove myself and show the team, as well as myself, what I can do to help the team."

Looking back to her sophomore year, Schenck was not proud of her performance. Averaging 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in about 21 minutes per game, Schenck worked on her defensive strengths, decision making and overall fitness in the offseason to better herself and the time spent on the court. Although she made progress from her freshman season, it wasn't a true step forward when she returned as a sophomore.

"This offseason, it was really important to me to get into the best shape so I don't get tired and have any errors with fatigue – like turning the ball over when I shouldn't or letting players get past me – and do everything that I could to maximize the minutes that I do get so I could have a better season, and a better performance, than last year," Schenck said. "Last year, I tried to do a lot more than I needed to. This year in the offseason, I've been focusing on my strengths and what is going to help me provide the best that I can for the team."

Quickly, she has proven the work paid off. Through nine games this season, Schenck has 37 assists, 71 boards, and averages 9.7 points per game while also leading the team in plus/minus. In the team's season opener against UNLV on Nov. 25, Schenck clocked in 40 minutes of play and 18 rebounds, immediately besting career highs set during her first two seasons in Flagstaff.

In the team's Big Sky Conference opener against Eastern Washington a week later on Dec. 5 and 6, the Lumberjack marked new career highs with seven assists in both games. Going 10-15 from the field during the weekend, Schenck scored 10 points the first day against the Eagles, followed by her new season high of 13 points.

Schenck was able to steal, set up the team's transition offense and push the pace against Eastern Washington which committed more than 20 turnovers per game, opening up the opportunity for her to shoot.

"She hit like three of those mid-range jumpers and that's the difference in us being a really good team and us being a just a pretty good team," said NAU head coach Loree Payne. "If she can consistently knock that down, it makes us way more of an offensive threat."

Running alongside her, senior transfers Miki'ala Maio and JJ Nakai have helped Schenck push the pace as she gains confidence in both herself and from NAU's coaching staff.

"They love to run and I love to run," Schenck said. "Since high school, I've always been a player where if we can not set up a play, I'm happy. I just want to transition, run, get layups. JJ and Mik definitely support that style of play. It is nice because they are point guards that can slow it down and like to slow it down."

Payne recognized Schenck's potential and capabilities since recruiting her out of high school. After running a high-tempo offense at Puget Sound, Payne believed Schenck would fit into the style of play she wanted upon arriving at Northern Arizona.

"Once she got her, we saw a ton of glimpses of what her potential was and what type of player she could be," Payne said. "Just getting a huge opportunity this year and having to step up to the plate, it has really fast tracked her ability to continue improving and making a huge difference. I really see her as honestly the X-Factor for this year. Her ability to lead the team and just her tempo takes our program to a new level on the floor."

With 37 assists this year under Schenck's belt, nearly half of them have been to Nakai and Maio, with another eight to senior Jacey Bailey all on three-pointers.

"We definitely complement each other a lot," Schenck said. "They always say in practice and in games, 'Regan, you push the ball and we'll run with you.' It's a lot of run and gun, but it's good to slow it down."

In their first year with the Lumberjacks, Nakai and Maio have thrived on the offensive end alongside Schenck. Nakai leads the team at 18.1 points per game, with Maio at an average of 11.6 points. Unsurprisingly the two also trail only Schenck in assists, with 23 by Maio and 19 for Nakai.

Although Schenck's potential as an impact player on the offensive end has been apparent this season, she knows her roots are on the defensive end.

"Every time I go out there, my goal is to stop and interrupt the offense. If I'm guarding the point guard, I need to put pressure on that point guard and try to make someone else run it," Schenck said. "That's where Loree has really put me in that position to get after it, work hard, and try to let as little of it happen. It's nice I have staff support and they're willing to help me as much as I can on defense to help play my strength. Defense is definitely what they expect to see me every game and I like the role that I'm in."

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Players Mentioned

#11 Jacey Bailey: G/F; 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior

#1 Regan Schenck: G; 5' 7"; Junior

#4 Miki'ala Maio: G; 5' 9"; Senior

#3 JJ Nakai: G; 5' 7"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#11 Jacey Bailey
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior
: G/F

#1 Regan Schenck
: 5' 7"; Junior
: G

#4 Miki'ala Maio
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G

#3 JJ Nakai
: 5' 7"; Senior
: G