Wildcat basketball star sets GNAC scoring record

Central Washington University senior guard Asher Cai broke the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s all-time scoring record last week, putting up 23 points in a home loss to Alaska Anchorage to reach 2,006 career points.

The four-year starter and two-time GNAC first-team selection passed Alisha Breen of Montana State Billings (2,001 points) and now has 2,029 career points after pouring in another 23 points in a win over Alaska Fairbanks on Saturday at Nicholson Arena.

“I'm incredibly happy for Asher and this massive achievement,” Wildcats coach Randi Richardson said. “(Breen) was a phenomenal player and leader who elevated our league and everyone around her. To have a player in her company and surpass her scoring record is a very humbling thing. Asher deserves to be in that company.”

The Colfax native was the GNAC Freshman of the Year in 2022-23 and has developed into an inspirational team leader for the Wildcats, who are currently ranked No. 9 in NCAA Division II.

Richardson commended Cai for her work ethic and team-first mentality, calling her determination and growth mindset “next level.”

“She's the best, and she has earned every ounce of this. I am so proud and happy for her,” the coach said.

Cai recently passed former teammate Sunny Huerta (1,960 points) on the GNAC career scoring list and has seven more regular season games, plus the postseason, to add to her impressive total. Her 269 three-point field goals ranks first all-time in the conference, and her career average of 17.96 points per game is fourth. She’s also fourth in field goals made at 681, and has time to catch Huerta, the GNAC’s all-time leader with 713.

CWU had won 11 in a row before the January 29 loss to Alaska Anchorage and sits at 19-2 overall (10-1 GNAC) heading into Thursday’s road matchup against rival Western Washington.