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Paris Kea Reminisces About Favorite Moments in Carmichael Arena Before Senior Night

Landon Bost

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Tomorrow’s noon tipoff against the ninth-ranked N.C. State Wolfpack will be redshirt senior Paris Kea’s last performance in Carmichael Arena.

After transferring from Vanderbilt after her freshman year in 2015, the Greensboro native has played 86 games in a Tar Heels uniform, and has started all but one game. While at Carolina, she’s been one the program’s best scorers.

Kea's last second 3-pointer to end third quarter against Boston College.
Kea’s last second 3-pointer to end third quarter against Boston College.

Kea’s career scoring average of 17.7 points per game gives her the third highest scoring average in school history.`

She eclipsed 1,700 career points, 215 points at Vanderbilt, last Sunday against Virginia. Moreover, she passed the 1,500 scoring mark at Carolina after her last game against Boston College with 25 points. This put her 22nd on Carolina’s all-time scoring list with 1,521 points. She only needs 15 points to move past Jessica Breland (07-11) on Carolina’s all-time scoring list.

Kea after 78-73 victory over No. 1 Norte Dame.
Kea after 78-73 victory over No. 1 Norte Dame.

“I would say the top two would definitely be Duke last year at home,” Kea said after being asked what her favorite moments in Carmichael Arena. “That was a very fun game. Then beating Notre Dame this year.”

After a 19-point deficit against No. 15 Duke on Jan. 21, 18, Kea rallied the Tar Heels to a thrilling 92-86 overtime victory. She hit a last second 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, and she scored a career-high, which still stands today, of 36 points.

Kea during pregame introductions before tipoff against Boston College.
Kea during pregame introductions before tipoff against Boston College.

The Tar Heels knocked off No. 1 Norte Dame on Jan. 27 behind Kea’s 30 points and 10 assists. Her performance made her the fourth Division I player in the last 20 years to have 30-point, 10-assist game against a ranked opponent.

Tar Heels will have to overcome a hungry Wolfpack team to give Kea one last victory in Carmichael Arena after they upset the Wolfpack, who were ranked seventh, 64-51. Even though this is her last performance in Carmichael Arena, Kea will return home for the 2019 ACC Tournament in Greensboro from March 6-10.