Midseason Spotlight: UConn’s Sarah Strong Leads the Way in Women’s College Basketball
As the women’s college basketball season veers toward the crucial final stretch, one player has stood out head and shoulders above the rest: Sarah Strong of UConn. With the Huskies currently holding a flawless record of 17-0 and sitting atop the USA TODAY Sports women’s college coaches poll, Strong has earned her place as the consensus best player in the nation, garnering unanimous selection to the midseason All-American team.
Who is Sarah Strong?
Strong, a 6-foot-2 sophomore forward, has become the heartbeat of the UConn program, morphing into a player who embodies versatility. Often compared to NBA star Nikola Jokic, she’s not just an offensive juggernaut; her game mirrors that of a multi-talented player who excels in nearly every aspect on the court.
Her remarkable stats speak volumes: 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. But it’s not just about the numbers—she’s shooting 60% from the field, 42.4% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 88.9% from the free-throw line, positioning her for a potential 50-40-90 season.
Strong’s influence extends beyond her scoring prowess; she leads the nation in win shares with 4.6 and boasts the highest defensive rating at 55.6. Her all-around capabilities make her a nightmare for opposing teams.
UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) shoots for three points against the Providence Friars.
Midseason All-American Team Highlights
Sarah Strong’s stellar performance is complemented by several other standout players who also made the midseason All-American team. Here’s a look at notable players alongside her.
Hannah Hidalgo
Hidalgo, a junior guard for Notre Dame, has emerged as a dual threat, excelling offensively and defensively. Averaging 25.1 points and 5.9 steals per game, she leads the nation in the latter. Her recent performance against North Carolina was particularly impressive, earning praise from coach Courtney Banghart, who stated, “Hidalgo was a real problem.”
Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo (3) goes up for a shot as Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa (5) defends.
Madison Booker
Booker, a junior forward from Texas, is another bright spot this season. Regarded as the main driver for her team, she averages 19.2 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 51.8% from the field. Despite a recent loss to LSU, Booker’s continued strong performance keeps Texas in the conversation for Final Four contention.
Texas forward Madison Booker is averaging 19.2 points a game.
Mikayla Blakes
Blakes, a sophomore guard from Vanderbilt, has been instrumental in her team’s impressive 17-0 start. Leading the SEC with 24.9 points per game and known for her scoring ability, she has tallied four games of 30 points or more this season, including an exhilarating comeback victory against No. 5 LSU.
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes scored 55 points against Auburn last season.
Audi Crooks
Lastly, Audi Crooks from Iowa State has been nothing short of extraordinary. Leading the country with an average of 28.3 points per game and shooting 69.8% from the field, Crooks has demonstrated scoring prowess that has propelled her team to early-season success. Despite recent struggles, her ability to perform consistently shines through.
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks (55) celebrates a basket.
Honorable Mentions
The midseason All-American team isn’t just about the headline names. Many players are making significant impacts on their teams. Their contributions, both on the scoreboard and in their respective roles, are helping to elevate women’s college basketball to new heights.
As the season progresses toward Selection Sunday, keep an eye on these phenomenal athletes who are shaping the narrative of collegiate women’s basketball. Their performances promise not just thrills but also inspire future generations of athletes.