Because she's a local talent, Valerie Kast brings the entire Pit to its feet every time she scores for the UNM women's basketball team.
Until Thursday, those moments had been scarce, as the junior from Gallup averaged only nine minutes and 3.7 points per game in the Lobos' first seven contests.
But Kast broke out in a big way against in-state rival New Mexico State on Thursday, scoring a career-high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the 80-48 win. She also had five blocks and four rebounds in a season-high 17 minutes.
"I was so pumped to beat this team tonight because it's a rivalry," Kast said. "It's one of the most important games, in my opinion. My mental focus was there, and physically, I felt like I could contribute."
Prior to Thursday's win, Kast's season high in points was nine against Idaho State, playing a then-season-high 15 minutes.
At 6-feet-6-inches, Kast has been a fan favorite since joining the team as a freshman in 2006. She showed flashes during her first season, including 12 points on the road against UNLV.
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However, Kast didn't make large strides last season, failing to score double-digit points in a single game.
That trend seemed to be continuing this season until she doubled her season high against the Aggies on Thursday.
It helped that the Lobos held a sizable lead for most of the game, but UNM head coach Don Flanagan said Kast has made improvements.
He said her scoring is important but that her effort on the defensive end will play a big role in determining how many minutes she plays.
"You know what I like that she did was she didn't just play good offense; she played good defense," Flanagan said. "She kept her hands up. She helped out from time to time. She bothered their low-post player."
Kast said Flanagan has helped her understand how big of a boost her defense can be to the Lobos.
"Every day in practice he always tries to stress the fact that being a large player like I am, I have to play good defense," she said. "I think that if you play good defense, offense will come eventually."
Kast's performance in the post will be vital as the Lobos face bigger, more physical opponents. The Aggies employ a relatively small lineup, which is part of the reason Kast was able to use her height advantage so effectively.
Flanagan said playing a school with more size doesn't guarantee Kast will play more minutes but that if she continues to progress in games and practice, she should be on the floor more often.
Senior post Angela Hartill, who often battles with Kast in practice, said Kast earned her success on Thursday.
"I am so proud of Val," she said. "She totally deserved this night. She has been working her tail off for the past few years, and it definitely paid off today."
