During the winter season, The Chronicle is polling its readers every week via its Sportswrap newsletter to highlight one Blue Devil athlete’s outstanding performance. This week’s spotlight goes to Toby Fournier of Duke women’s Basketball:
Toby Fournier, one of the most anticipated additions to the Sisterhood going into the 2024-2025 season, has exceeded expectations so far this year. In a big 81-59 win against Virginia Tech Dec. 8., the 6-foot-2 forward exploded off the bench, racking up a career-high of 27 points.
The win was much needed after Duke’s disappointing 81-70 loss against No. 2 South Carolina three days earlier, when the Blue Devils’ messy defense left Gamecock shooters wide-open for numerous threes. Duke’s offense failed to respond until an impressive final push in the fourth period, but it proved to be too little too late.
Against the Hokies, a newfound organization in the Blue Devil defense shut down Virginia Tech’s offense in and out of the paint, and Duke’s offense bounced back stronger than ever. Leading the charge was Fournier, with nine rebounds in addition to her 27 points.
“I thought Fournier was terrific,” head coach Kara Lawson said after the game. “I mean she made so many plays. One on one, in the post, at the elbow. I mean she went 12-for-17. How many players in college basketball get 27 points on 17 shots? [It’s a] short list, let me tell you.”
The Toronto native started with a reverse layup and garnered seven points after only four minutes on the court. Fournier’s dominance earned her a total of 24 minutes of play, which she polished off with a deep two.
The freshman’s success comes as no shock: In addition to her scoring prowess against Belmont earlier this season, where she achieved 25 points in 25 minutes, Fournier was rated No. 10 in ESPN’s 2024 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings and has been known as a dynamic weapon both offensively and defensively. Fournier’s versatility is a core reason that Lawson had her eye on the Crestwood Prep alum for three or four years.
"Toby has the ability to get a double-double every night," Lawson said. Now just because you have the ability doesn't mean you'll do it. It takes great work, great focus and great discipline to do that. [But] that's my expectation of her."
Fournier is likely to see more minutes when the Blue Devils play the Wofford Terriers back in Cameron Wednesday.
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