Kya Smith’s 20/20 Masterclass Lifts Army Over Howard, 64-56

West Point, NY — Army West Point women’s basketball delivered a statement win Monday afternoon, overcoming adversity on both ends of the floor to secure a 64-56 victory over Howard at Christl Arena. The Black Knights relied on relentless defense, clutch shooting, and a record-breaking performance from Kya Smith to seal the result.

Army Responds with Grit and Greatness

The Black Knights (9-2) let their play do the talking. Junior forward Kya Smith authored one of the greatest performances in program history: 27 points, 22 rebounds (career high, tied for second-most in Army history), and a perfect 15-for-15 from the line. Smith’s double-double was locked up by halftime, and her eight offensive rebounds set a season high. Smith’s 20/20 game was the first by any Army player in five years.

After a 2-3 week break, Smith returned to the court feeling refreshed and focused. “Yeah, it’s been two, three weeks. It’s amazing. I’m so excited that we got to come home. Home court. Everybody’s here cheering us on. I appreciate everybody coming out during their Christmas break. So this is just awesome,” she said.

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Smith credited her time with family for rejuvenating her, fueling her dominant showing. “You know, I got to go home a little bit. Good to see the fam. I think that just, like, rejuvenated me, and I really appreciate my teammates giving me the ball once I got hot, and it just kept going in, so I’m grateful.”

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First Quarter: Army set the tone early, holding Howard without a field goal until late. Taylor Wilson’s three sparked a 7-1 run. The Black Knights led by eight after one.
• Second Quarter: Howard capitalized on turnovers, but Army’s defense and Smith’s rebounding preserved the lead.
• Third Quarter: Howard made a push, but Army’s transition game and Smith’s free throws kept them ahead.
• Fourth Quarter: Army sealed the win with discipline and clutch shooting.

Relentless Defense and Resilience

Army’s defense was stellar, holding Howard to 32.3% shooting and 0-for-12 from three. Brooke Wilson’s defense and the return of Fiona Hastick after injury provided sparks. “That was the best part of this game. Like warm-ups, everything. She was with us in the post-workout. I knew she was getting her minutes today. She’s one of my best friends. I hung out with her family yesterday because they’re just so amazing. So just being able to go out and play with my family, it was awesome,” Smith said about Hastick’s return.

Head Coach Katie Kuester, hired as the 10th head coach in May, praised her team’s grit: “Just so proud of those girls. That was probably one of the grittiest wins that I’ve really been a part of. I think Kya having 27 and 22 is a stat that you see in video games, just so impressive. And then 15 for 15 from the free throw line, even better. She was just so dominant. To get Fiona Hastick back in the lineup meant a lot to us as a program. So just really, really proud of all of them in general, but just a gritty win against a phenomenal Howard team.”

Smith’s humility and team-first mentality were clear when told about her historic stat line: “Well, I didn’t even know that. I didn’t even feel it. You know, I wasn’t looking up there. I’m happy we got the win. That’s the biggest thing. Howard’s a great team, and I know we have to come out here and play tough, so I’m really happy. I’m happy that we’re going into Patriot League feeling like this.”

She also sent a message to her family in Texas: “Well, my sister’s playing right now, and since we just won, she has to win. No pressure, by the way.”

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Coach Added

Kuester also noted, “The first quarter, you could tell offensively, we were a little rusty, but defensively, to hold them to single digits—a high-octane offensive team like themselves—I think that was exactly saying having 20 days off, how it looks. We had to put in a lot of effort to get our flow going offensively, but scoring 64 points on a team that definitely doesn’t give that up… I’m very, very proud of them.”

Building Off Success

Army won 25 games last year, reached the Patriot League Tournament final, and earned its first postseason victory. The Black Knights return 10 players and nearly the entire starting lineup. Army has used the same starting five all season, and nine wins are the most in the Patriot League entering conference play.

Army entered the game ranked No. 25 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid Major Top 25 poll, while Howard was ranked No. 13. Neither team is currently ranked in the NCAA Top 25, though Army’s case for inclusion grows stronger.

By The Numbers

• Kya Smith: 27 pts (6-10 FG, 15-15 FT), 22 rebs, 2 ast, 2 stl
• Team: 34% FG, 24-27 FT, 43 rebs, held Howard to 32.3% shooting, 0-12 3PT
• Record: 9-2 (4th straight win), 2-1 all-time vs Howard
• CollegeInsider.com Mid Major Top 25: Army ranked No. 25 for three weeks—the only Patriot League team in the poll

Eyes Forward—Lehigh Awaits

Army opens Patriot League play against reigning champs Lehigh (Dec. 31, Christl Arena). A win would give Army its first victory over Lehigh since Jan. 26, 2022, and a 1-0 start in conference play.

Kuester is confident: “Our kids take so much pride in the scouting report defensively… We’ll be ready to go. Lehigh’s very well coached. We’re going to treat them as the reigning champions coming into our home court.”

Smith is also ready for the quick turnaround: “I’m happy that we’re going into Patriot League feeling like this.”

Keys to victory: Limit turnovers, control the boards, force Lehigh into tough perimeter shots, and maintain defensive discipline. Army’s focus, fundamentals, and home-court energy will be crucial.

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