SEC Weekly Honors: Sira Thienou • Ole Miss Delivers A Special Performance

Sira Thienou has been turning heads as one of the brightest young stars in the SEC and across NCAA women’s basketball. The freshman guard delivered a career-best performance in Ole Miss’ lone game this week, tallying an impressive 23 points against South Alabama. Her standout performance not only solidified her role as a key player for the Rebels but also placed her among the top freshman performers in the SEC.

A Historic Performance

In her record-setting outing, Thienou achieved several significant milestones:

• First 20+ Point Game by a Rebel This Season: Thienou’s 23-point effort marked the first time an Ole Miss player surpassed the 20-point mark this season.
• Freshman Achievement: She became the first Ole Miss freshman since the 2020-21 season to register at least 20 points in a game.
• SEC Freshman Leader: Her 23 points were the highest single-game total by an SEC freshman this week, showcasing her ability to excel against tough competition.

Thienou’s performance was a display of efficiency and versatility. She went 2-for-2 from three-point range, tying her career-high for made three-pointers, and set a new personal best with seven made free throws. She nearly matched her career-high in rebounds as well, pulling down a team-leading seven boards and coming just one shy of her best mark.

Consistency as a Young Star

Thienou’s breakout performance is no anomaly. The freshman has been a consistent contributor for Ole Miss, extending her streak of double-digit scoring games to six. Her ability to impact games offensively and defensively highlights her value to the team, even in the early stages of her career. Leading the Rebels in scoring both during the game against South Alabama and for the season overall, Thienou has quickly established herself as a reliable go-to option.

Elite Efficiency

One of the most impressive aspects of Thienou’s game has been her efficiency:

• Field Goal Percentage: Thienou ranks in the top five nationally and second in the SEC this week, shooting an incredible 87.5% from the field. This level of accuracy underscores her smart shot selection and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
• Free Throws: Setting a career-high with seven made free throws, she demonstrated composure under pressure, an essential trait for a young player.
• Three-Point Shooting: Her perfect 2-for-2 performance from beyond the arc further showcases her ability to stretch defenses and score from multiple areas on the floor.

Defensive Prowess

Thienou’s impact extends beyond her scoring ability. With 23 steals through 10 games, she ranks:

• Eighth in the SEC for both total steals and steals per game. Her defensive instincts and active hands make her a disruptive force on the perimeter, often creating fast-break opportunities for the Rebels. Thienou’s defense has been a cornerstone of her game, proving her ability to impact both ends of the floor.

Impact on the Boards

Despite standing at 5’10”, Thienou’s rebounding ability has been a key factor for Ole Miss. Against South Alabama, she led the Rebels with seven rebounds, showcasing her knack for securing boards in traffic and contributing to her team’s overall success.

A Rising Star in the SEC

Thienou’s rapid development has positioned her as one of the most promising young players in the conference. Her scoring, efficiency, and defensive impact have earned her recognition not just within the Ole Miss program but across the SEC. As she continues to refine her game, Thienou’s potential seems limitless.

What’s Next for Thienou and the Rebels?

Ole Miss is counting on Thienou’s consistent performances as the team navigates a challenging schedule. With her ability to lead offensively and make crucial plays on defense, Thienou is poised to play a significant role in the Rebels’ success this season. Her ability to adapt and excel as a freshman suggests a bright future, not just for her collegiate career but potentially beyond.

A Freshman to Watch

Sira Thienou’s journey is just beginning, but her accomplishments have already placed her among the best freshmen in the country. Her record-setting performance, combined with her consistency and efficiency, cements her as a player to watch as the season progresses. For Ole Miss, Thienou’s emergence provides a foundation for success, and for SEC women’s basketball, her presence raises the level of competition.

As Thienou continues to develop, her name will undoubtedly become synonymous with excellence in collegiate basketball. Fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on this rising star, as she has already proven she belongs among the elite.