ALTHOUGH Aussies are beginning to make their mark in the collegiate system from the get-go, there are still a number of players that are continuing to show improvement with a few years under their belt.

That is certainly the case for Sharna Ayres, who has spent the last three years in the NCAAW, and recently suited up for the Northwestern State Lady Demons, where she produced her best season at the level to date.

Ayres signed with LSU in her freshman season in 2019, but moved to Northwestern State seeking more opportunities. It was a move that has paid dividends since, with the Melbourne native enjoying a breakout season of sorts during her junior campaign.

The success was sparked by a boost in her court time, jumping up to 28 minutes per game, which is 10 more than last year. A combination of roster departures and her own strong form has seen Ayres slotted into the lineup in seamless fashion.

She was given more responsibility, proving a valuable member of her side’s backcourt while appearing in a career-high 29 games over the course of the 2022/23 fixture. She was also the only player to start in every game for the

Ayres emerged as a shooting guard with the capability to hurt the opposition from behind the arc, attempting 5.3 shots from downtown per game, which is the most of her career. Although accuracy was not her strong suit at times, she showed plenty of confidence in her shot from three-point territory.

She led the team with 55 three-pointers on the season, and in making 1.9 per game, Ayres averaged the second most long range shots was tied for the most by a player.

Ayres will still need to work on her efficiency in this area, but it was still an improvement on sophomore campaign in a big way, and heading into her senior season, should continue on that upwards trajectory.

She also finished the season in strong fashion, recording double-digits in her final four outings to finish with a points average of 8.1 per game, a figure that looms likely to improve next time she hits the court.

Ayres’ senior season could also see a boost in shot opportunities as well, especially given the improvement she showed from downtown this season. Expect the team to look to feed the guard the ball as much as possible given her scoring potential.