Chennedy Carter, an electrifying scoring guard for the Chicago Sky and Wuhan Shengfen in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association [WCBA], has been recognized with the league’s “Good Temper Award.” The honor came with a monetary prize of 10,000 yuan [around $1,370], and it highlighted Carter’s improved emotional management on the court after a hard foul on WNBA’s Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark last season.

Wuhan Shengfen basketball club released an official statement praising Carter’s growth. “Carter is a passionate athlete with a hot temper at times, which has been a ‘double-edged sword’ that restricts her development,” the statement read. “However, this season, she effectively controlled her emotions and put more energy into the game itself. The number of times she argued with referees and opponents has significantly decreased.”

The statement also highlighted what the team thought to be Carter’s newfound ability to defuse tense situations and uplift her teammates. “She can laugh off fierce fouls and sometimes even take the initiative to appease teammates who are out of control, showing her leadership qualities,” the team added. They said that Carter still earned the prize despite a recent 87-82 loss to Liaoning.

Carter has carried Wuhan Shengfen this season since her arrival, averaging 28.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.3 steals over six games while shooting 59.6 percent from the field. She overtook former K-State forward and fellow American Peyton Williams to lead the team in scoring.

Carter’s back-to-back 42-point performances against Liaoning in November, coupled with three consecutive 20+ point games earlier in the season, have pushed Wuhan to a 4-2 record in Group B. Their next match is scheduled for Dec. 1 against Heilongjiang.

Carter’s award-winning transformation comes after a WNBA season where she drew criticism for a physical altercation with the Fever rookie. During a heated game on June 1 that featured Clark versus college adversary Angel Reese, Carter became a polarizing figure among fans after hip-checking Clark during an inbound play, sending the Rookie of the Year sprawling to the floor.

Caitlin Clark drives in the second half against Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter placed a hard foul on Clark last season ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

The moment followed a tense rebound battle where Clark elbowed Carter. After the season, Carter improved her temper on the court to help turn over a new competitive leaf in China. Not only was Wuhan impressed with Carter’s growth, but the rest of their statement hoped for continued progress.

“We hope she will continue to strengthen her emotional management, set an example on both offense and defense, and give advice to young players, turning her innate passion into the team’s progress,” it read.

After last season, Carter finished her one-year contract with the Sky and said she would love to return to the franchise. “My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted,” Carter said. “I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back.”