Reniya Kelly's 14-point game pushes UNC to win over Boston College

Reniya Kelly was taken off guard when graduate forward Alyssa Ustby tried to sing her praises. 

"She's been able to develop so fast through practices to be able to command the team on the court," Ustby said. "Because having a point guard that can first of all score, can get her own [shots and] can facilitate for other people and keep the temperature of the court steady, that's very, very hard to find."

The sophomore guard covered her face with her hands, turned away and blushed. 

“It takes a lot to be a point [guard] and have to run the team with so many different personalities, and [hearing that is] big for me,” Kelly said.  

Starting at point guard is something that Kelly has taken in stride, especially in UNC women's basketball's 80-67 victory over Boston College on Sunday afternoon in Carmichael Arena. Kelly provided the spark that North Carolina needed after trailing 40-37 at the half, recording 14 points, three rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes of playing time.

Kelly knew someone needed to step up at halftime. She answered the call. 

The sophomore played the entire third quarter, helping the Tar Heels outscore the Eagles 23-12 during that 10 minute period. Kelly pushed the pace and acted as the catalyst, scoring six points. 

The guard has taken a big step compared to her first season at North Carolina. Through 18 games, she has surpassed her playing minutes from last year, accumulating a total of 450 this season as compared to last season’s 387. 

Head coach Courtney Banghart said when she coaches Kelly, she knows what she’s going to get. She sees her as a consistent force on the team who commands every possession.

“She celebrates others, she challenges others, she leads by example," Banghart said. "Her effort is never in question."

When the team needed more effort against Boston College, Kelly answered the call. She pushed the ball with more intensity, grabbing steals and initiating plays for her team.

Ustby said she admires how Kelly finds that same opportunity for the rest of the team. Ustby sees their ability to have in-game dialogue especially helpful, as they both remain even-keeled. The two players can easily recognize when something works or doesn't.

In the opening 30 seconds of the third quarter, Kelly sent a timely pass to Ustby as she drove to the lane. The forward spun around her defender to create space and hooked a layup with her back to the basket. 

“As a fifth-year senior, that's something that I'm like, ‘Oh, wow, I got really lucky and blessed with Reniya’s ability to step into that role,'" Ustby said.

Ustby also said she admires the kind of development she has been able to witness in Kelly over the past two seasons. She recognizes that this kind of leadership is not easy, and she was once in a similar position. 

Banghart said that the kind of ovation Kelly receives at the beginning of games is similar to the kind that Ustby received in her first years. The ovation is building, and Kelly is living up to it. 

Still, Kelly doesn't always find that praise easy to hear, but she's happy she is able to contribute in the way that she does.

“I just love this team,” Kelly said. “I’m just blessed to be here.”

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