Utah guard Kennady McQueen's recent high-ankle sprain gave the Utes a scare, but the diagnosis has brought some relief as her season remains salvageable. Utah

Utah guard Kennady McQueen gave the Utes a scare. But it appears she has avoided a worst-case scenario. McQueen has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, Utah head coach Gavin Petersen announced on Tuesday.

In McQueen’s absence, Maty Wilke will slide into the starting lineup, Petersen said, and that opens up chances for a group of freshmen guards led by Brooke Walker, who’s averaging 10.7 minutes per game, to earn some valuable experience.

In an instant, an expected victory suddenly became secondary to veteran guard Kennady McQueen writhing in pain on the court after being intentionally fouled.