Junior forward Mariah Dunham was dismissed from the University of Wisconsin women’s basketball team for repeated violations of team rules, coach Lisa Stone announced yesterday.
The announcement comes after Dunham was suspended indefinitely on Feb. 1 before the team’s game at Michigan following an off-the-court incident.
It appears as though sophomore Tara Steinbauer will take Dunham’s place in the starting lineup. Steinbauer is averaging 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds this season.
“This was a very tough decision to make but, in the best interests of the program, we felt that it was time for Mariah to leave the team,” Stone said. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
After missing the first two games of the year with a back injury, Dunham played in 20 games, starting 13 of them.
With her ability to both post up underneath and step back for the outside shot, Dunham had been one of the most consistent offensive players for the Badgers this season. Dunham averaged 9.2 points per game, second-best on the team, on 40.7 percent shooting. In addition she made 20 of 50 3-point shots for a 40 percent clip. Her 4.6 rebounds per game were also second-best on the team.
Not only was she an important offensive piece, but her defense was also key to Wisconsin’s success. Her 1.25 blocks per game rank 11th in the Big Ten.
Dunham ends her career as a Badger with 600 points and 349 rebounds.