A stacked class of newcomers mark head coach Kara Lawson's first major accomplishment at Duke. Heading into the 2021-22 season, we take a look at film from Duke women's basketball's newest players. Previously, we analyzed Lexi Gordon. Next up, we look at Lee Volker:
Duke women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson’s impressive, albeit unusual, incoming class features more than a few high-powered transfers. But somewhat lost in the excitement of the program’s resurgence is the looming arrival of three-star guard Lee Volker, the team’s lone freshman-to-be and every bit a high-powered newcomer in her own right.
As a two-time Virginia state champion at St. Paul VI Catholic High School, where men’s basketball guards Jeremy Roach and Trevor Keels both attended, Volker shined in a do-it-all role for the Panthers. On offense, her success starts with her shooting where she excels in the midrange and is a reliable threat from beyond the arc. Volker won’t exactly burn down the nets on a game-to-game basis, but her spot-up stroke is smooth and quick, which bodes well for her collegiate future.
Volker’s shooting, however, is not what separates her from the pack: the three-time All-State guard is at once an impressive defender, gritty finisher and willing passer with legitimate court vision. Combined with her ability to push the pace in transition, all this makes for a poised player who acts as true floor general, much like her former high school counterpart, Jeremy Roach.
Volker’s finishing ability is especially exciting as she makes the jump from high school to college. Her affinity for getting out in front of defenses leads to plenty of opportunities at the rim, and, at 5 feet 11 inches, the toughness she has displayed would not seem likely to disappear at the next level. Take a look at how Volker’s skillset shines through below, and note how her wide variety of skills makes it tough for opposing defenders to guard her effectively.
What does not show up in the highlight reels, or at least not as much, is Volker’s versatile defensive presence. Regardless, her willingness to lock in on the back end of the floor is an undeniable plus, and one that could help her break into the Blue Devil rotation in a less glamorous role early on.
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Jonathan Levitan is a Trinity senior and was previously sports editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume.