Against the top-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team, she scored a career-high 22 points.
Going up against Texas A&M and Auburn a month later, she didn’t make a single shot.
Her very next game, she put up 28 points against Alabama, the most points scored by any Southeastern Conference player all season.
For those who haven’t kept a close eye on sophomore guard Sierra Michaelis, she can either be the highest-scoring player on the court or just another player on the bench, depending on the game.
She’s had the highest highs and lowest lows throughout her sophomore season, and per Missouri coach Robin Pingeton, Michaelis is making strides to combat her inconsistencies.
“She is certainly showing signs of being a big-time impact player for us. We just need it more consistently,” Pingeton said. “I feel like (staying consistent) is an ongoing process. I don’t think we’ve arrived yet but I really like where her focus is at. I think we’re moving in that direction, but my expectations of consistency are pretty high.”
Michaelis said she can feel when she’s on her game or not soon after the start of the game.
“Going into games, I don’t know how my scoring is going to go,” Michaelis said. “But after I make a shot towards the beginning of a game, I start to feel it. But if I’m not scoring on offense, then I need to do something on defense, because I can’t let my offense dictate my defense.”
In addition to her offensive capabilities, Pingeton said Michaelis has the ability to create havoc on the defensive end due to her quick hands and ability to anticipate.
Senior guard Bree Fowler said she has seen huge growth in Michaelis’ offensive and defensive capabilities from freshman year to now.
“She’s always been an offensive threat since she’s been here,” she said. “She’s doing a great job making sure she’s fulfilling that role in being a playmaker. She’s very good at what she does offensively and defensively.
“Her decision-making has been a lot better and she has a lot more poise on offense instead of just putting her head down and going, going, going,” Fowler added. “Now she is assessing the floor and having court vision.”
But even during her biggest games, one negative aspect of her game remains consistent; turnovers.
Michaelis has been averaging 3.2 turnovers, with eight against Mississippi State being her worst and zero against Colorado being her best. The Colorado game is the only one she’s gone without a turnover.
All in all, the guard has given up more possessions than any Tiger, accumulating 82 this season.
“She’s got the ability to be a really good passer,” Pingeton said, “but she’s got to continue to shore up on her turnovers. Way too many turnovers. I think she’s been pretty mindful of that as of late.”
Currently averaging 9.8 points per game, Michaelis will test her efforts towards consistency against Vanderbilt at 1 p.m. Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee.