Prodigious Performances by Sky's Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith as They Overpower Brazil in Preseason Basketball Debut
Sparking Summer: Hailey Van Lith's Dazzling Debut with Chemistry-rich Chicago Sky
The basketball community knew it was going to be a thrilling spectacle as Hailey Van Lith and Angel Reese graced the same court once more. This time, it was in the 2025 WNBA preseason, with the duo donning the jerseys of the mighty Chicago Sky, who effortlessly outplayed the Brazil national team with a resounding 89-62 victory.
The game, humorously played in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the LSU campus, the very same court where Reese and Van Lith had previously shared victories, featured an impressive lineup. The Sky's newest stars didn't see extensive court time together, but their chemistry was evident, a remnant of their dynamic that led to a glorious 2024 national title.
Reese led the pack with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double in just 16 minutes. In her first taste of professional action, Van Lith added 7 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 13 minutes off the bench. The only Brazilian to reach double figures was Aline Moura, who scored 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Absent from the Sky's lineup was the recently drafted 2025 top-10 pick, Ajša Sivka. She is currently outside the team's training camp roster and will not serve the Sky in 2025. Instead, she'll remain with the Slovenia national team for at least one more year, as they gear up for the 2025 Eurobasket.
In addition to Reese and Van Lith, the Chicago Sky welcomed a handful of new players, like Ariel Atkins, Courtney Vandersloot, and Kia Nurse who joined the lineup in the starting five. Vandersloot tallied an impressive 5 assists alongside Van Lith, while Nurse showcased her shooting prowess by sinking 3 out of 5 three-pointers.
The game offered a glimpse of the Chicago Sky's 18-player training camp roster, a sign of their determination to build a formidable team ahead of the 2025 regular season, which kicks off on May 16.
Hailey Van Lith's Eager Adaptation and Phenomenal Partnership with Angel Reese
The preseason game marked Van Lith's first appearance as a professional WNBA player. Despite the pressure, she exhibited a confident performance by scoring her debut basket with an And-1 play[2][4], demonstrating her ability to thrive in high-stress situations.
The pre-existing bond forged between Reese and Van Lith during their college years at LSU helped foster their on-court chemistry. This familiarity is expected to bolster their partnership and contribute substantially to the Sky's victories[2][3]. Reese's visible enthusiasm and camaraderie toward Van Lith's plays on the court serve as clear proof of their solid relationship.
As Van Lith continues to develop and learn from seasoned players like Vandersloot, the Chicago Sky's seamless combination of new talent and experienced veterans will undoubtedly propel her toward success[3][5]. The selection of Van Lith by the Chicago Sky at the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft reflects the team's faith in her talent and potential contributions.
The anticipation surrounding Hailey Van Lith's performance with the Chicago Sky and her synergy with Angel Reese promises an exciting season full of high-octane basketball and big wins.
All eyes were on Hailey Van Lith as she made her professional debut with the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA preseason. Despite being the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, her confident performance, evident in her initial And-1 play, showcased her readiness to thrive under pressure.
Van Lith's partnership with Angel Reese proved to be phenomenal, built on their earlier chemistry from their college days at LSU. Their camaraderie shone brightly on court, suggesting that it will significantly boost the Sky's chances of victory.
With veterans like Ariel Atkins, Courtney Vandersloot, and Kia Nurse joining the team, the Chicago Sky's mixture of new talent and experienced players will likely propel Van Lith toward success. Vandersloot, in particular, demonstrated her ability to mentor young players like Van Lith with her 5 assists during the preseason game.
In 2025, the Chicago Sky aim to be a formidable team, with the regular season commencing on May 16. The dominance shown by this chemistry-rich lineup during preseason bodes well for their upcoming hours on the basketball court.
