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Every year, basketball fans across the country tune into the NCAAW March Madness Tournament to see their favorite women hoopers battle it out for the national championship. Of course, many tune in to see the fan favorites such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Cameron Brink. Or this is their chance to finally see freshman standouts like Juju Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo. But there are a lot more talented players in the bracket. Here’s who you should be on the lookout for this weekend.
Georgia Amoore – Guard, Virginia Tech
Pound for pound is one of the best guards in the nation. Will likely be seeing a bigger offensive output due to Elizabeth Kitley’s injury. Averaged 19.2 points and 6.9 assists this season.
Kiki Rice & Lauren Betts – Guard and Center, UCLA
Two of the more impressive Sophomores in the nation. Rice is a tough guard that can score at will. Betts has been one of the best bigs in the nation this year. Averaging 14.7 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Look for them to lead the Bruins on their tournament run
Kaitlyn Chen – Guard, Princeton
The crafty sharpshooting guard has led Princeton to another tournament appearance. Had big games against Villanova and UCLA this past season. Averaged 15.8 points and 5 assists this season.
Yvonne Ejim – Forward, Gonzaga
AP All-American honorable mention forward has led the charge for the Bulldogs this season. Coming off the best season of her collegiate career, look for her to be one of the best players in this tournament.
Ta’Niya Latson – Guard, Florida State
Emerging as one of the best guards in the nation. Latson led the Seminoles to a big win over Virginia Tech. She also had an impressive outing in the double overtime loss to Notre Dame. This season she averaged 21.3 points, 4.1 assists, and shot 22% from the field.
Rickea Jackson – Forward, Tennessee
One of the best forwards and draft prospects in the nation, Jackson has been a force for Tennessee once again. Selected as All-SEC First Team, look for Jackson to shine and dominate as she looks to improve and solidify her draft stock.
Reigan Richardson – Guard, Duke
Duke’s leading scorer who put up career highs across the board, Richardson has been a player that has helped Duke compete with some of the best teams in the nation.
Te-Hina Paopao – Guard, South Carolina
Senior transfer from Oregon. Sharpshooter guard who has helped a young South Carolina team with her leadership and experience. Served as a real difference-maker for the Gamecocks. Shot a career-high 47.1% from deep this year.
Dyasisha Fair – Guard, Syracuse
3,000 point scorer, tough guard who can score at will. Fair has shown up big for Syracuse at different times this season, averaging 22 points for the year.
Madison Booker & Shaylee Gonzalez – Forward and Guard, Texas
Madison Booker has been one of the more impressive freshmen in the nation this year, being selected as Big-12 Player of the Year. Her play has been essential to the Longhorns’ success this season. Shaylee Gonzalez has been great for Texas as well, stepping up in the absence of Rori Harmon.
Ayoka Lee – Center, Kansas State
One of the best centers in the country, Lee has been a force to be reckoned with for a while. There aren’t many that could slow her down when she gets going. Set the record for points in a game in 2022.
Audi Crooks – Center, Iowa State
The freshman big has been hard to guard this season. Many teams haven’t had an answer for her and she has what it takes to take over a game. This year she averaged 18.9 points and 7.7 rebounds
Diamond Johnson – Guard, Norfolk St
Transfer from NC State could definitely remind the nation who she is against Stanford’s guards. This season she averaged a career-high 20.3 points shooting 44.2% from the field.
Aziaha James & Saniya Rivers – Guard duo, NC State
Two of the standout guards from this team have led the Wolfpack through some battles this season. James averaged 15.8 points shooting 40.6% from the field. Rivers averaged 12.4 and 6.2 rebounds this season.
Kiki Iriafen – Forward, Stanford
The other half of Stanford’s dominant big duo is next to Cameron Brink. The Pac-12 Most Improved Player has had some insane stat lines this season. Look for her to be a big part of Stanford’s success this March. Averaged a career-high 18.6 points and 11 rebounds.
Raegan Bears & Talia Von Oelhoffen – Forward and Guard, Oregon State
The sophomore forward has been one of the best in the Pac-12 this season. Paired with Von Oelhoffen, these two have had a big part in the Beavers’ success this season. Look for them to make some noise in this tournament.
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
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