What a season it’s been! I can’t believe we are already in the midst of conference tournaments with March Madness quickly approaching. The other day I cast my All-American votes, which I thought I’d share with you. It was a difficult process. There were multiple players that I felt had a case for the first team, and the second and third teams were even more of a challenge. In the end, there were several players left off that could have easily earned honors. That’s one of the reasons this season has been such a blast; the talent pool is incredibly deep!
Imagine the sound of a drumroll here
I present, my All-American teams:
First team:
Sarah Strong, Sophomore, Forward, UConn
In my last newsletter, I highlighted a clip of Azzi Fudd saying Sarah Strong is the best basketball player she’s ever played with. That speaks volumes. So does the way Geno Auriemma – who has coached countless greats – raves about her. Strong is the best player in the country, full stop, which is why she was also my vote for Player of the Year. Strong leads UConn in points (18.5), rebounds (7.6), steals (3.4) and blocks (1.6), and is second in assists (4.1). And even on possessions where she isn’t contributing to the stat sheet, she’s making an impact.
Lauren Betts, Senior, Center, UCLA
Watching Betts’ development over the past four seasons has been incredible. Her footwork in the paint is textbook, her passing is elite and she’s continued to extend her range. Plus, Betts is a stellar defender and shot-blocker who rarely gets in foul trouble – she averages 1.8 per game – which is difficult to do as a center. Because of her skills and body control on offense and defense, Betts is able to stay in games and lead the Bruins when they need her most. She’s averaging 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and a career-high 3.2 assists per game.
Mikayla Blakes, Sophomore, Guard, Vanderbilt
The future of women’s college basketball is bright, and Blakes is a massive reason why. The talented guard is putting Vandy on the map with her electric scoring. A true three-level scorer, Blakes is averaging 27 points per game, shooting 45.7% from the field, 36.1% from the 3-point line and 85.7% from the free-throw line. The sophomore has scored 30 or more points 12 times this season, even doing so against top competition such as Texas, Kentucky and LSU. Blakes is also an excellent defender with active hands, which is especially impressive considering how much energy she exerts on offense.
Azzi Fudd, Senior, Guard, UConn
In order to get multiple players on first team, two things have to be true:
1. A team has to have an incredible season – undefeated fits the bill, don’t you think?
2. Both players have to be special.
Strong and Fudd are incredibly special. Fudd is the best pure shooter in college basketball (44.6% from 3 and 3.1 makes per contest), and while that’s the highlight of her game, it’s far from her only skill. Fudd is one of the most underrated on-ball defenders in the league, something she’s worked hard on over the years. She’s averaging 2.5 steals per game, and is also a great shot-creator, with a pretty pull-up jumper that serves as the perfect complement to her 3-point shot.
Madison Booker, Junior, Forward, Texas
Another player who does it on both ends of the court – you’re probably noticing a trend in my voting – Booker truly carries Texas on her back. The 6-1 junior is averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Because of her height and basketball IQ, Booker has incredible vision. She’s able to shoot or pass over defenses, while possessing the best midrange shot in the game. Her length is also impactful on the defensive end, where Booker causes disruptions to smaller guards, while also being able to defend bigs.
Second team
Olivia Olson, Sophomore, Guard, Michigan
Olivia Miles, Senior, Guard, TCU
Jaloni Cambridge, Sophomore, Guard, Ohio State
Joyce Edwards, Sophomore, Forward, South Carolina
Hannah Hidalgo, Junior, Guard, Notre Dame
Third team:
Kiki Rice, Senior, Guard, UCLA
Clara Strack, Junior, Center, Kentucky
Raven Johnson, Senior, Guard, South Carolina
Audi Crooks, Junior, Center, Iowa State
Maggie Doogan, Senior, Forward, Richmond
Also Considered: Brooklyn Meyer (South Dakota State), Shay Ciezki (Indiana), Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), Raegan Beers (Oklahoma), Oluchi Okanawa (Maryland), Syla Swords (Michigan), Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), Marta Suarez (TCU)