From Strong to Justice, meet some
of the top freshmen in women's basketball
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[November 01, 2024]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
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.
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UConn basketball players Paige Bueckers, left, Ashlynn Shade, bottom
center, Sarah Strong, top center, and Azzi Fudd pose for pictures
during the Big East NCAA college basketball media day in New York,
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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.
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