49:I[29208,["/_next/static/chunks/0ljiaa2y9-itx.js","/_next/static/chunks/1yt446igj3lq7.js","/_next/static/chunks/356hjhwwhmsuf.js","/_next/static/chunks/2r-_tyrcnf7v8.js","/_next/static/chunks/0lpwqoi233qvk.js","/_next/static/chunks/2i18aoqym1npm.js","/_next/static/chunks/1-khaq6h6j2wy.js","/_next/static/chunks/2sfb3o3xvfqdd.js","/_next/static/chunks/3h-vnkfj9r7jx.js","/_next/static/chunks/15xqj1mmjxy46.js","/_next/static/chunks/41u_8ogfbuc3t.js","/_next/static/chunks/0x_ky3o94upvj.js"],"default"] 41:T41b4,

Women's college basketball continues to thrive following Caitlin Clark's departure to the WNBA.

Numerous players have stepped into the spotlight and are set to showcase their talents on the sport's biggest stage.

Here are 10 names to watch when the women's NCAA Tournament begins Friday.

JuJu Watkins, USC

Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Watkins will be the face of the sport beyond this season. The Trojans phenom has tallied more points than Clark did through her first two campaigns and is just four 30-point games away from tying Cheryl Miller's program record of 25. Watkins is a nightmare in transition with her size, speed, and strength. She can pull up on a dime from anywhere on the floor and makes the right pass when defenses swarm her in the paint. The Los Angeles native is also a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award, showing great help instincts and often getting a hand in passing lanes.

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Bueckers is the presumptive No. 1 pick in this year's WNBA draft. The Huskies star was the first freshman to sweep the National Player of the Year awards and has recaptured that form after missing the entire 2022-23 campaign with a torn ACL. Bueckers is an efficient three-level scorer with near 50/40/90 shooting splits this season. She's an unselfish player who's always looking to create high-percentage looks for her teammates. Her 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio leads all players. Bueckers' defense has steadily improved as she uses her length to contest shots and create turnovers.

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Hidalgo may be small in stature, but the 5-foot-6 sophomore guard is Notre Dame's spark plug on both ends of the floor. She ignites the Fighting Irish's transition attack with her speed, plays relentless defense, and isn't afraid to take big shots. Hidalgo ranks fourth in the nation in both scoring (24.2 points per contest) and steals (3.7). She's shooting the ball significantly better from downtown too, making 40.7% of her 3-point attempts.

Lauren Betts, UCLA

Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Betts was the driving force for a UCLA squad that spent most of the campaign atop the AP Poll. The 6-foot-7 center is an imposing figure in the paint as both a shot-blocker and low-post scorer. She's registered the fifth-most swats (85) and is converting 65.6% of her attempts at the rim, per Hoop Explorer. Betts' newfound playmaking adds another wrinkle to her game. She does a good job passing out of double-teams in the post and has been a weapon in dribble handoffs.

Aneesah Morrow, LSU

Reagan Cotten/LSU / University Images / Getty

Morrow's strong senior year is building her draft stock. The 6-foot-1 forward is among 15 players on the national ballot for the Wooden Award and is a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Morrow's a handful to cover on the glass with her never-ending motor. She's leading all players in rebounds for the second time in four campaigns and trails only Courtney Paris on the Division I all-time list in career double-doubles after picking up 27 this season.

Madison Booker, Texas

Booker followed up a standout freshman campaign with SEC Player of the Year honors. The versatile second-year wing paces Texas in scoring (16.2) and ranks second on the team in rebounds (6.6), assists (2.8), and steals (1.6). She's knocking down 13% more threes this season and boasts an elite mid-range game. Booker was the Longhorns' de facto floor general last season in Rori Harmon's absence and continues to facilitate the offense at times.

Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State

Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty

This list wouldn't be complete without the country's leading scorer. Latson is the focal point on the NCAA's second-highest scoring unit, averaging 24.9 points on 45.1% shooting. The Miami native blows by defenders off the bounce, has the body control to convert difficult finishes at the rim, and frequently draws fouls with her forceful drives. She's raised her game on the defensive end as well, placing fifth in the ACC with 2.2 steals per contest. Florida State failed to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of Latson's first two seasons, but it's only a matter of time until the program breaks through.

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

Miles is the other half of Notre Dame's dynamic backcourt. The 22-year-old has been stellar after missing the previous campaign with a torn ACL, tallying a career-high 16.2 points per game and a 2.15 assist-to-turnover ratio. She leads the ACC in assists (5.8) for the third time in four seasons. Miles has also improved arguably her biggest weakness, connecting on 40.9% of her attempts from deep after entering the year as a 24.6% career 3-point shooter. Miles' return allows Hidalgo to play off the ball and has solidified the Fighting Irish as national contenders.

Sarah Strong, UConn

Strong has looked like anything but a freshman. The top-ranked recruit in last year's class has immediately provided UConn with a bona fide No. 2 option alongside Bueckers. Strong can carry the ball coast to coast like a guard, pick-and-pop for three, and uses her quick hands to steal the ball from opponents. The Huskies have maximized her passing ability as well, using the 6-foot-2 forward as a playmaking hub in the high post. It's been nearly a decade since the school captured its last national championship, but Strong might be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Athletics / University Images / Getty

Blakes is another player making headlines in her debut season. The high-scoring Vanderbilt guard already has a pair of 50-point games on her resume. Blakes' 55-point outburst against Auburn last February broke Elena Delle Donne's Division I women's freshman record of 54 set in 2010. Blakes led a highly competitive SEC in scoring during conference play, posting 26.9 points on 46.9% shooting, including a 39.8% clip from deep. Her quick shot release, pull-up jumper, movement shooting, and ability to attack downhill have made the Commodores star one of the country's most lethal scorers.

Honorable mentions: Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), Flau'Jae Johnson (LSU), Hailey Van Lith (TCU), Chloe Kitts (South Carolina)

42:T41b4,

Women's college basketball continues to thrive following Caitlin Clark's departure to the WNBA.

Numerous players have stepped into the spotlight and are set to showcase their talents on the sport's biggest stage.

Here are 10 names to watch when the women's NCAA Tournament begins Friday.

JuJu Watkins, USC

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Lauren Betts, UCLA

Aneesah Morrow, LSU

Madison Booker, Texas

Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

Sarah Strong, UConn

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Honorable mentions: Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), Flau'Jae Johnson (LSU), Hailey Van Lith (TCU), Chloe Kitts (South Carolina)

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Blakes","type":"PlayerTag","images":{"small":"https://d1si3tbndbzwz9.cloudfront.net/transparent_default_headshot_small.png"},"api_uri":"/wcbk/players/163094","colours":["997F3D","000000"],"subscribable_alerts":[],"has_transparent_headshots":false}],"display_type":"default"}}] 43:T1609,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt freshman Mikayla Blakes knows each time she drops the ball in the basket it will bring more attention.

That's what happens when someone scores 53 points, then sets the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record with 55 just 17 days later.

“Everybody wants to stop you now," Blakes said about being a bigger target for opponent's scouting plans. “So I think just continuing to keep going and continue to keep working on my weaknesses and turn them into strengths is definitely going to help me.”

Blakes has scored at least 30 points in five games, tied for fourth-most by any NCAA Division I player this season and most among freshmen. She ranks second in the Southeastern Conference averaging 23.3 points a game.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley called Blakes special after her No. 6 Gamecocks held the freshman to 19 points last weekend. Blakes got only two in the fourth quarter as the Gamecocks made Blakes work hard on both ends of the court.

“To come in our league and to have done what she’s done, I don’t know if there’s a bigger offensive impact," Staley said. "I mean, she’s very, very efficient.”

Blakes already is in exclusive company.

Her 55 points are the ninth most scored in NCAA history. She also joined Patricia Hoskins of Mississippi Valley State as the only players to score 53 or more points twice in the same season. Blakes scored 53 on Jan. 30 in a win at Florida.

With Vanderbilt trailing by 15 with 6:55 left at Auburn, even her brother Jaylen watching on TV thought that game was over. Then she took over, scoring 30 of her 55 points over the final 10 minutes, 25 seconds of regulation and overtime in the victory.

Blakes also went 23 of 24 at the line. She knocked down down her first 23 attempts on her way to the single-game scoring record first set by Elena Delle Donne with 54 as a redshirt freshman at Delaware in a 2010 loss to James Madison.

It's just not about the points. Her brother knows only too well the sister he worked out with and played 1-on-1 with couldn't let the Commodores lose.

“She hates losing," Jaylen said. "At the end of the day, she hates losing more than she loves winning and for her, that was the most important thing, I think. Obviously the 55 was great, but she was so happy about just winning that game.”

Tara VanDerveer tried to get Blakes to play at Stanford: “She’s fantastic. She’s a star. She’s awesome.”

The now retired Hall of Fame coach called it disappointing not to get the 2024 McDonald's All-American from Somerset, New Jersey. VanDerveer said she's mad that Jaylen came to Stanford as a graduate transfer this season from Duke and didn't bring his sister with him.

Joking aside, VanDerveer said she loves the Blakes family and called Mikayla a great student and that she is really happy for the 5-foot-8 freshman.

"She’s doing really well,” VanDerveer said.

Everybody wanted Blakes. Stanford, UCLA, Tennessee, Indiana, Wisconsin and Rutgers were among those recruiting her. Shea Ralph convinced Blakes to become her highest-rated recruit yet for the coach's fourth season at Vanderbilt.

Jaylen, who joined the family on some Zoom calls as coaches pitched away, knows why Mikayla chose a program with only one Final Four berth way back in 1993 and now is on the verge of a second straight NCAA Tournament berth after a 10-year drought.

“She was just about building something,” Jaylen said.

Thanks to Stanford playing on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the Vanderbilt women on Thursdays and Sundays, the Blakes siblings are able to keep up with each other's games.

In that comeback against Auburn, Mikayla Blakes joined LeBron James as the only basketball players to score 55 or more points playing every second of a game since 2005 whether at the NBA, WNBA, NCAA men or women's basketball level.

She also earned both the SEC player and freshman of the week, something not done in this league since Candace Parker in 2006.

Ralph said while Blakes has not been a secret for a long time now, she liked how the point guard played against South Carolina. Ralph is focused on making sure her freshman doesn't have to score 50 to win as the Commodores host Texas A&M on Thursday night in their final home game of the regular season.

“She’s done it in moments where we’ve really needed it," Ralph said. “But she also has to get a little bit of help.”

___

AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco and AP Basketball Writer Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up  here. AP women’s college basketball:  https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll  and  https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

44:T1609,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt freshman Mikayla Blakes knows each time she drops the ball in the basket it will bring more attention.

That's what happens when someone scores 53 points, then sets the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record with 55 just 17 days later.

“To come in our league and to have done what she’s done, I don’t know if there’s a bigger offensive impact," Staley said. "I mean, she’s very, very efficient.”

Blakes already is in exclusive company.

It's just not about the points. Her brother knows only too well the sister he worked out with and played 1-on-1 with couldn't let the Commodores lose.

Tara VanDerveer tried to get Blakes to play at Stanford: “She’s fantastic. She’s a star. She’s awesome.”

Joking aside, VanDerveer said she loves the Blakes family and called Mikayla a great student and that she is really happy for the 5-foot-8 freshman.

"She’s doing really well,” VanDerveer said.

“She was just about building something,” Jaylen said.

Thanks to Stanford playing on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the Vanderbilt women on Thursdays and Sundays, the Blakes siblings are able to keep up with each other's games.

She also earned both the SEC player and freshman of the week, something not done in this league since Candace Parker in 2006.

“She’s done it in moments where we’ve really needed it," Ralph said. “But she also has to get a little bit of help.”

___

AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco and AP Basketball Writer Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

___

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored an NCAA freshman record 53 points after making 16 field goals and 16 free throws to help No. 23 Vanderbilt beat Florida 99-86 on Thursday night.

Blakes, who scored 33 in a win over then-No. 19 Alabama last time out and whose previous season high was 36, broke the previous freshman mark of 51, set last season by Southern California's JuJu Watkins.

Blakes is the only player in Division I — men’s or women’s — to score at least 50 points in a game this season.

Iyana Moore added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Vanderbilt (18-4, 5-3 SEC). Khamil Pierre scored just three points on 1-of-10 shooting but finished with 11 rebounds and three steals.

Moore scored five points in a 9-0 run that gave the Commodores a 19-14 lead. Blakes hit four 3-pointers and converted two three-point plays as she alone outscored Florida 18-10 in the second quarter and Vanderbilt took a 46-26 lead into the intermission.

The Gators used an 18-7 spurt to trim their deficit to 82-74 with 4:44 to play but Blakes scored 14 points from there — compared to just 12 by Florida — to seal it.

Ra Shaya Kyle made 11 of 15 from the field and finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds for Florida (11-11, 2-6). Liv McGill scored 20 points, Jeriah Warren added 13 points and Laila Reynolds scored 10.

Vanderbilt plays host to Mississippi on Sunday. Florida hits the road to play Monday at Arkansas.

___

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46:T797,

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored an NCAA freshman record 53 points after making 16 field goals and 16 free throws to help No. 23 Vanderbilt beat Florida 99-86 on Thursday night.

Blakes is the only player in Division I — men’s or women’s — to score at least 50 points in a game this season.

Iyana Moore added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Vanderbilt (18-4, 5-3 SEC). Khamil Pierre scored just three points on 1-of-10 shooting but finished with 11 rebounds and three steals.

The Gators used an 18-7 spurt to trim their deficit to 82-74 with 4:44 to play but Blakes scored 14 points from there — compared to just 12 by Florida — to seal it.

Vanderbilt plays host to Mississippi on Sunday. Florida hits the road to play Monday at Arkansas.

___

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UConn’s Sarah Strong doesn’t need to look far to find inspiration as she gets ready to begin her college career.

“Every time you walk into the gym, you just see like the great names,” Strong said, referring to a practice facility that features banners for every national player of the year, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American and Olympic gold medalist in UConn’s storied history. “I kind of use that as motivation because that’s where I want to be one day.”

Strong was the nation’s consensus No. 1 recruit in her class and was named the 2024 Naismith national high school player of the year. The 6-foot-2 forward is the daughter of former N.C. State player Danny Strong and former Harvard star Allison Feaster, who played in the WNBA from 1998-2008.

After spending her first 10 years in Spain, Strong moved to North Carolina and helped Grace Christian win three North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state titles. Now she begins her college career with the second-ranked Huskies, who are seeking their first national title since 2016.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma told reporters that Strong is shy, introverted and studious off the court. Auriemma said Strong had that same cautious approach on the floor in September and early October but has become more assertive lately while showcasing the skills that made her such a prized recruit.

He can’t wait to see what’s next from her.

“I can honestly say that she’s probably as impressive as any freshman that we’ve had in a long, long time with all the things that she’s capable of doing on the court,” Auriemma said. “I’m excited because every day she does something I haven’t seen before from her. I’m anxious every day to go to practice to see what’s the next step that she can take – a little baby step, but the next step.”

Here’s a look at some other freshmen who should make an impact this season, following a 2023-24 season in which two freshmen (USC’s JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo) were first-team Associated Press All-America selections.

Mikayla Blakes, G, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014 last season. Blakes' arrival could help the Commodores take the next step. The 5-foot-8 guard is a McDonald’s All-American and the 2024 Gatorade player of the year for the state of New Jersey. Blakes averaged 20.4 points, 3.6 steals and 3.2 assists per game her senior year at Rutgers Prep, which reached a state final each of her last three seasons and won the title her sophomore year.

Jaloni Cambridge, G, Ohio State

Cambridge was Gatorade’s Tennessee player of the year as a junior before she transferred from The Ensworth School in Nashville to Montverde (Florida) Academy. The 5-7 guard comes to No. 14 Ohio State after getting selected as Gatorade’s Florida player of the year and a McDonald’s All-American as a senior. “Jolani’s a special talent,” Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said. “She can really play. I think she’ll have a chance to help us right away.” Cambridge has a brother, Devan, who plays at Texas Tech.

Justice Carlton, F, Texas

No. 4 Texas has two freshmen who were rated among the top 15 players in their class in Carlton and guard Jordan Lee. Both should make major contributions this season, but Texas’ need for frontcourt depth could enable Carlton to have more of an impact. Carlton averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds her junior year at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. The 6-1 forward tore an anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in the summer of 2023 but returned to play late in her senior year of high school and in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Joyce Edwards, F, South Carolina

South Carolina could use some frontcourt help now that Kamilla Cardoso – the leading scorer and rebounder for the Gamecocks’ 2024 national championship team – has completed her eligibility. Edwards, who is 6-3, should at least help in that regard. Edwards scored 19 points in the McDonald’s All-American Game and was chosen as the game’s co-MVP with Strong. She has been dominant in exhibition wins so far.

“We’re going to stretch her out,” coach Dawn Staley said. “If she’s able to do all things, we’re going to ask her to do all things. She’s got the temperament. She’s got the skill set and she’s got the intellect to do it.”

Kate Koval, F, Notre Dame

The 6-5 Koval moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2021 and was the 2022-23 Gatorade player of the year in New York while playing for Long Island Lutheran. She’s regarded as an outstanding passer for someone of her size. Koval played nearly 30 minutes and had 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four blocks in No. 6 Notre Dame’s 101-41 exhibition victory over Davenport. Koval’s arrival will boost a frontcourt dealing with injuries to Kylee Watson and Maddy Westbeld.

Syla Swords, G, Michigan

Swords played for the Canadian Olympic team this summer and averaged 3.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. She was the youngest person ever to play for Canada’s Olympic women’s basketball team. Swords, who is 6 feet tall, played with Koval at Long Island Lutheran and was named the Gatorade player of the year in New York after averaging 17.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3 rebounds as a senior. Swords’ father, Shawn Swords, is an associate head coach for the NBA G League’s Long Island Nets.

___

AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

48:T1682,

UConn’s Sarah Strong doesn’t need to look far to find inspiration as she gets ready to begin her college career.

He can’t wait to see what’s next from her.

Mikayla Blakes, G, Vanderbilt

Jaloni Cambridge, G, Ohio State

Justice Carlton, F, Texas

Joyce Edwards, F, South Carolina

Kate Koval, F, Notre Dame

Syla Swords, G, Michigan

___

AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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Mikayla Blakes

Mikayla Blakes

Blakes scores 27 as No. 17 Vanderbilt wins Paradise Jam's Island Division

Watkins, Bueckers headline stars to watch in NCAA women's tourney

Vanderbilt freshman Blakes eager to grow from record-setting play

Vanderbilt's Blakes sets NCAA freshman scoring record with 53 over Florida

UConn's Strong among top freshmen to watch in women's college hoops