The forward, an international for Macedonia, leads both categories after the first two rounds of European competition, averaging 27.5 points and 27.5 efficiency rating credits per game. These outstanding numbers reflect the impact of a player who, in her third consecutive season in Zaragoza, has established herself even more firmly as a key part of the Aragonese team’s offense. Both close to the basket and from three-point range.
Her performance against Athinaikos demonstrated it once again. Hempe scored 29 points, including 3 of 4 from three-point range, grabbed 11 rebounds and posted a 33 efficiency rating, numbers that helped Casademont secure a demanding victory that became more complicated than expected. Alongside Ornella Bankolé, who finished with 26 points and a 27 rating, Hempe played a decisive role in containing the reaction of a Greek team that came within two points during the fourth quarter.
The center set her scoring record with Casademont in Greece. Photo: FIBA
RECORD AFTER RECORD
In fact, her display in Greece continues Hempe’s outstanding European debut. On the opening day, against Basket Landes, the center had already been decisive in Casademont’s dramatic comeback, finishing with 26 points and 22 efficiency rating credits. That performance was her best scoring mark in the red-and-white jersey at the time, but just a few days later she has raised the bar even higher.
With her 29 points against Athinaikos, Hempe has surpassed that mark with a performance that is proving decisive. The center stands out not only for her individual numbers, but also for her ability to carry the team through the most demanding moments as Carlos Cantero’s side continues to grow in a EuroLeague campaign in which it remains unbeaten and, alongside surprise package Kibirkstis Vilnius, leads its group.
