WNIT Quarterfinals(Regional Finals) Results/Recaps

Rice Women's Basketball
~ Aneela Khan ~ 1 Comment

The WNIT quarterfinals kicked off tonight and 8 teams were competing for a chance to become regional champions as well as a spot in the WNIT Final Four. Here’s the recap from Day 1 and Day 2 that got us to this point.

Charlotte Regional

Delaware vs Villanova

Delaware and Villanova battled each other all night long. Neither team could gain much seperation until the last 3 minutes of the game. Villanova star Maddy Siegrist fouled out of the game and the Blue Hens took advantage of it. They were able to play solid defense down the stretch and execute on offense. Despite Villanova trying to make a comeback, the Delaware Blue Hens were able to withstand it. They are the Charlotte regional champions and advance to the WNIT Final Four.

Fort Worth Regional

Rice vs California Baptist

California Baptist came into this game undefeated with a record of 26-0. They were looking to improve to 27-0. Rice threw a wrench into that plan. From the beginning of the game, Rice attacked California Baptist at the basket, forced turnovers, made excellent plays on offense and did not let Brittney Thomas get going on offense. Rice looked very good against California Baptist and held a 30 point lead in the 4th quarter. They are Fort Worth regional champions and advance to the WNIT Final Four where they will face Delaware in the WNIT semifinals.

Rockford Regional

Saint Louis vs Northern Iowa

Saint Louis and Northern Iowa struggled to score early in the game and it was a low scoring game until Northern Iowa started to hit some baskets down the stretch of the game. Even when Saint Louis was threatening to come back, Northern Iowa was able to control it and they held on to win. They are the Rockford regional champions and advance to the WNIT Final Four.

Memphis Regional

Colorado vs Ole Miss

Colorado and Ole Miss both came into this game after solid outings against previous teams. But, it was Ole Miss who controlled the first half with their defense, ball pressure and getting to the free throw line. In the second half, it was a different story. Colorado was able to get some key stops, they got into Ole Miss players heads a little bit and kept it close until the last minutes of the game. Had Colorado played like they did in the second half in the first half, Colorado may have won the game. Instead, Ole Miss was able to hold on and win. They are the Memphis regional champions and advance to the WNIT Final Four to face Northern Iowa in the WNIT semifinals.

WNIT Day 2 Results/Mini Recaps

~ Aneela Khan ~ 2 Comments

The WNIT started Day 2 with consolation games and the second round games. For this post, it will be focused on the 8 second round games only. At the end of the evening, 4 teams advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals (regional championship games). Click here for a recap of Day 1’s WNIT action.

Charlotte Regional

Delaware vs Clemson

The first game of this regional was a very good game during the first half. It was a battle between Jasmine Dickey of Delaware and Delicia Washington of Clemson. Delaware hit a buzzer beating three pointer at half to lead Clemson by 5. Delaware then hit yet another buzzer beating three pointer at the end of the third quarter. Delaware took control in the fourth quarter over Clemson and never looked back to advance to the quarterfinals.

Villanova vs Florida

Villanova took full control of this game early in the first quarter and Florida was not able to get past Villanova because they were so strong. Villanova advanced to face Delaware in the quarterfinals on Monday.

Fort Worth Regional

Rice vs Fresno State

Rice came out hot early and were able to control the tempo in this game. They lead by as many as 15 points but Fresno State just wouldn’t let them go easily. Fresno State did battle Rice, but Rice’s ability to score and defend was too much for Fresno State to overcome. Rice advances to the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday.

California Baptist vs San Francisco

The California Baptist team was looking to stay undefeated and they succeeded in doing so. San Francisco just didn’t have the size to battle with Brittney Thomas in the paint, but they did have heart. They battled California Baptist in the 4th quarter, but California Baptist prevailed despite losing their top player, the point guard Ane Olaeta to injury early 1st quarter. They will face Rice in the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday.

Rockford Regional

Northern Iowa vs Creighton

This was the first game in the Rockford regional and it was a tight game throughout. Neither team was able to get much seperation and Northern Iowa was able to squeak by Creighton in the last seconds of the game. Northern Iowa advances to the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday.

Saint Louis vs Milawaukee

Saint Louis came out swinging in this game and Milwaukee struggled to score early on. This lead to a large lead for Saint Louis in which they were able to maintain the entire game. Saint Louis advances to the WNIT quarterfinals to face Northern Iowa on Monday.

Memphis Regional

Nebraska vs Colorado

Nebraska vs Colorado was a battle of two Power 5 teams. Colorado was able to establish their game against Nebraska’s pesky defense and managed to hold on and just squeeze out the win. Colorado advances to the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday.

Tulane vs Ole Miss

In the last game in this regional, it was a barn burner. Tulane and Ole Miss were tied and went back and forth until late 4th quarter. Ole Miss tuned up their defense and were able to get some key stops and some timely baskets to win over Tulane. Ole Miss advances to face Colorado in the WNIT quarterfinals on Monday.

The WNIT quarterfinals will take place on Monday evening and will stream on FloHoops.

WNIT Day 1 Results/Mini Recaps

California Baptist Women's Basketball Team
~ Aneela Khan ~ 3 Comments

The WNIT started play with 16 teams across 4 different regions. At the end of the day, 8 teams advanced to the WNIT second round and the rest moved onto the consolation round.

Charlotte Regional

Delaware vs Fordham

Delaware was strong in this game, they did not let Fordham get close and won easily to advance.

Ohio vs Clemson

This was a very close game, both teams fought all game but it was Clemson who sealed the deal and went onto advance. They will face Delaware in the second round.

Charlotte vs Florida

Charlotte vs Florida was quite interesting. It went back and forth all game long, the coaches got into a heated battle and it was very intense. Florida escaped with a win to advance.

Villanova vs UMass

Villanova came out firing in the last game of the Charlotte regional and never looked back versus UMass. Maddy Siegrist scored 20 points in the first half. They made it look so easy. Villanova advanced to face Florida in the second round

Fort Worth Regional

Rice vs Arizona State

This game was UGLY. Very brutal to watch. Both teams defended very well but struggled to score and Rice was able to advance.

Fresno State vs Missouri

This game was a very good game. Missouri was ahead in the beginning, at one point, they lead by 20. But, the Cavinder sisters would not go away. With Fresno State’s ability to score in a variety of ways, they were able to overcome Missouri’s lead and advance to the second round where they will face Rice.

Houston vs San Francisco

This game was very close throughout. No team was able to get much seperation until the 4th quarter. San Francisco was able to take the lead late vs Houston and never relinquished it to advance to the second round.

California Baptist vs New Mexico

In the last game of the Fort Worth regional, California Baptist was coming into this game undefeated. They would have been an NCAA tournament team but they are still transitioning to Division 1. This game was very good. It went back and forth all game long. Jaedyn De La Cerda for New Mexico and Ane Olaeta for California Baptist battled all game long. Brittney Thomas was excellent too. California Baptist was able to edge New Mexico in the last couple of minutes and grinded out a win to remain undefeated. They will face San Francisco in the second round.

Rockford Regional

Northern Iowa vs Dayton

Northern Iowa controlled this game from the start and Dayton was never really able to break through over Northern Iowa despite being down by single digits for a majority of the game. Northern Iowa advanced to the second round.

Creighton vs Bowling Green

You know the saying, where it’s just a difference between conferences? That sometimes, the bigger conferences prevail over the smaller ones? Well, that happened in this game. Creighton was just a bit better than Bowling Green. Bowling Green did try to make it a contest, but they couldn’t break through and Creighton advanced to face Northern Iowa in the second round.

DePaul vs Saint Louis

Saint Louis came prepared. DePaul did not. Despite only losing by 2 points in this game, DePaul could’ve played much better. This is not an insult to St. Louis who played very well and deserve to advance, but DePaul has been disappointing lately. They started off the season well and fell off the wagon in March.

Milawaukee vs Drake

This game was surprising. This was the last game in the Rockford regional and Milwaukee came out firing against Drake. They were up 30+ at one point in the game. Drake did not have any answers for Milawaukee. Milawaukee advances to the second round to face St. Louis.

Memphis Regional

Nebraska vs UTM

Nebraska started off slowly and it was a competitive game in the beginning, but all that changed after halftime. Nebraska got hot and were able to gain a big lead that allowed them to cruise the rest of the game. Nebraska advanced to the second round.

Colorado vs Louisiana

Colorado had an easy time with Louisiana and were able to win easily. Louisiana was never able to score enough to try to come back in this game. Colorado advances to face Nebraska in the second round.

Ole Miss vs Samford

Ole Miss looked ready for this game. Samford stood no chance. Ole Miss was faster, stronger and better. Ole Miss’s players were also taller than some of the Samford players so it was an easy win for Ole Miss. They advance to the second round.

Illinois State vs Tulane

In the last game of the Memphis regional, it was very close throughout the game between Illinois State and Tulane. However, late 3rd quarter, Tulane was able to create just a bit of seperation from Illinois State and were able to hold on for the rest of the game to win. Tulane advances to face Ole Miss in the second round.

2021 WNBA Mock Draft 3.0

~ Aneela Khan ~ 26 Comments

The 2021 WNBA Draft is less than one month away now and we have reached the third edition of the WNBA Mock Draft. We are also starting to see some seniors or age eligible juniors opt in for this year’s draft. They have to opt in this year to the draft due to the NCAA granting one more year of eligibility due to COVID-19. Aari McDonald, Dana Evans, Tiana Mangakahia, Janelle Bailey have all opted in for the draft. Most notably, Charli Collier who was a junior but age eligible to enter the draft also opted in. This means that Charli Collier, who is ranked high on WNBA Draft Boards, can officially become a part of the WNBA in April.

Here is a link to a draft board that will be useful come WNBA Draft time in April. Note that draft board has seniors only on it. Here is a link to the updated WNBA draft order after some WNBA signings/sign and trades. You can view the first edition of the WNBA Mock Draft here, as well as the second edition.

FIRST ROUND

  1. Awak Kuier, Finland – Dallas Wings

One month later and Awak Kuier remains the top pick in this month’s WNBA Mock Draft. Her potential is endless and if she does not show up, the Dallas Wings should retain her draft rights when she does. She remains the top prospect in this draft class.

2. Charli Collier, Texas – Dallas Wings.

The Dallas Wings have the top 2 picks in this draft and the Wings should draft Charli Collier from Texas. Charli Collier has potential, but she does need to improve in some areas and if Awak Kuier does not show up to play this season, Charli Collier will be given the opportunity to show why she is worthy of a top 2 pick.

3. Aari McDonald, Arizona – Atlanta Dream

Aari McDonald moves up in this month’s WNBA Mock Draft because of her play and her ability to a top defender. The Dream greatly value defense and Aari McDonald will fit in easily. Her style of play also fits well with the Dream’s offense.

4. Chelsea Dungee, Arkansas – Indiana Fever

Chelsea Dungee increased her stock from last month and moves up a spot from last month. The Indiana Fever could use a player like her on the bench as Dungee can create offense and is a good defender.

5. Dana Evans, Louisville – Dallas Wings

Dana Evans moves down two spots and that is not because of her play, it is because the two teams ahead have made moves that would suggest that they are looking at other areas in the draft. Because the Dallas Wings have so much youth on their roster, this is the perfect spot for Dana Evans to be in. Her skill set would fit in perfectly and she could help the Wings bench immediately.

6. Rennia Davis, Tennessee – New York Liberty

7. Michaela Onyenwere, UCLA – Dallas Wings

8. Arella Guirantes, Rutgers – Chicago Sky

9. Natasha Mack, Oklahoma State – Minnesota Lynx

10. Kysre Gondrezick, West Virginia – Los Angeles Sparks

11. Kiana Williams, Stanford – Seattle Storm

12. N’dea Jones, Texas A&M – Las Vegas Aces

SECOND ROUND

  1. Jenna Staiti, Georgia – Dallas Wings
  2. Destiny Slocum, Arkansas – Las Vegas Aces
  3. Ciera Johnson, Texas A&M – Atlanta Dream
  4. Lindsay Pulliam, Northwestern – Chicago Sky
  5. Kayla Jones, NC State – New York Liberty
  6. Shyla Heal, Australia – Seattle Storm
  7. Aaliyah Wilson, Texas A&M – Indiana Fever
  8. Tekia Mack, Rutgers – Connecticut Sun
  9. Ali Patberg, Indiana – Connecticut Sun
  10. DiJonai Carrington, Baylor – Los Angeles Sparks
  11. Tiana Mangakahia, Syracuse – Seattle Storm
  12. Moon Ursin, Baylor – Indiana Fever

THIRD ROUND

  1. Kayla Wells, Texas A&M – New York Liberty
  2. Khayla Pointer, LSU – Indiana Fever
  3. Deja Church, DePaul – Atlanta Dream
  4. Amber Ramirez, Arkansas – Los Angeles Sparks
  5. Janelle Bailey, North Carolina – New York Liberty
  6. Jenn Wirth, Gonzaga – Connecticut Sun
  7. Kristin Scott, Iowa State – Indiana Fever
  8. Jill Townsend, Gonzaga – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Lauren Heard, TCU – Indiana Fever
  10. Chloe Bibby, Maryland – Los Angeles Sparks
  11. Que Morrison, Georgia – Seattle Storm
  12. Jasmine Walker, Alabama – Las Vegas Aces

Women’s College Basketball Final Overall Player Rankings for 2020/2021 – Class by Class!

Michaela Onyenwere of UCLA
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

This past season was one of the most unique and difficult for all women’s college basketball teams across the country as they dealt with Covid related postponements, cancellations, pauses and some teams ended their season early or had post season bans. Some teams were able to play 20+ games, others played a bit less because of what was stated above.

There is a set of criteria that I have used in my past four overall rankings from years past that I was not able to because it just wasn’t an even playing field this year. It was a bit tougher to put the list together than in the past. Week by week, I took the best women’s college basketball players that performed well, highlighted players that often don’t get the shine across Division I basketball.

One of the most common questions I get while doing the weekly rankings, is why is Player X ahead of Player Y when clearly Player X is the better player? Yes, while Player X maybe the overall better player, the rankings are week to week. Player Y had a great week in which they were outstanding or they defeated a top team, etc. It’s basically designed in such a way to highlight players that are outstanding and consistent week by week and if one or two weeks, Player Y was better than Player X, they will be ranked higher that week or weeks. I also look at the competition they face and adjust accordingly as well.

The preseason rankings can be found here. I’ve also listed the previous final lists, to compare whether players dropped, gotten better, or stayed consistent throughout the years.

SENIORS

  1. Michaela Onyenwere – UCLA
  2. Dana Evans – Louisville
  3. Aari McDonald – Arizona
  4. Rennia Davis – Tennessee
  5. Kysre Gondrezick – West Virginia
  6. Natasha Mack – Oklahoma State
  7. Chelsea Dungee – Arkansas
  8. N’dea Jones – Texas A&M
  9. Jasmine Walker -Alabama
  10. Kayla Jones – NC State
  11. Arella Guirantes – Rutgers
  12. Ciera Johnson – Texas A&M
  13. Selena Lott – Marquette
  14. Ali Patberg – Indiana
  15. Destiny Slocum – Arkansas
  16. Aaliyah Wilson – Texas A&M
  17. Kiana Williams – Stanford
  18. Jenna Staiti – Georgia
  19. Kiara Smith – Florida
  20. Mya Hollingshed – Colorado
  21. DiJonai Carrington – Baylor
  22. Gabby Connally – Georgia
  23. Kayla Wells – Texas A&M
  24. Amber Ramirez – Arkansas
  25. Jenn Wirth – Gonzaga
  26. Moon Ursin – Baylor
  27. Bethy Mununga – South Florida
  28. Chloe Bibby – Maryland
  29. Natalie Chou – UCLA
  30. Jill Townsend – Gonzaga
  31. Blanca Millan – Maine
  32. Lindsey Pulliam – Northwestern
  33. Erin Boley – Oregon
  34. Deja Church – DePaul
  35. Katie Benzan – Maryland
  36. Lore Devos – Colorado State

Just missed: Lauren Heard (TCU) and Nancy Mulkey (Rice)

Honourable mention: Brice Calip (Missouri State), Gina Conti (Wake Forest), Willow Duffell (Marist), Jenna Giacone (Dayton), Vivian Gray (Texas Tech), Aleah Goodman (Oregon State), Dora Goles (Idaho State), Petra Holesinka (North Carolina), Tylee Irwin (South Dakota State), Tiana Mangakahia (Syracuse), Kelsey Marshall (Miami), Que Morrison (Georgia), Hannah Nihill (Drexel), Ane Olaeta (California Baptist), Khayla Pointer (LSU), Ivana Raca (Wake Forest) and Jayla Thornton (Howard)

JUNIORS

  1. Rhyne Howard – Kentucky
  2. Charli Collier – Texas
  3. Elissa Cunane – NC State
  4. Naz Hillmon – Michigan
  5. NaLyssa Smith – Baylor
  6. Ashley Joens – Iowa State
  7. Rae Burrell – Tennessee
  8. Shakira Austin – Ole Miss
  9. Christyn Williams – Connecticut
  10. Grace Berger – Indiana
  11. Nia Clouden – Michigan State
  12. Sonya Morris – DePaul
  13. Veronica Burton – Northwestern
  14. Destanni Henderson – South Carolina
  15. Myah Selland – South Dakota State
  16. Evina Westbrook – Connecticut
  17. Olivia Nelson -Ododa – Connecticut
  18. Morgan Jones – Florida State
  19. Kianna Smith – Louisville
  20. Victaria Saxton – South Carolina
  21. Lexi Hull – Stanford
  22. Leigha Brown – Michigan
  23. Lexi Held – DePaul
  24. Lotta Maj-Lahtinen – Georgia Tech
  25. Monika Czinano – Iowa
  26. Cate Reese – Arizona
  27. Jasmine Dickey – Delaware

Honourable mention: Jessika Carter (Mississippi State), Elizabeth Dixon (Louisville), Dorka Juhasz (Ohio State), Sydni Harvey (South Florida), Sam Haiby (Nebraska), Taya Hanson (Arizona State), Joanne Allen-Taylor (Texas) and Stephanie Visscher (Stephen F.Austin)

SOPHOMORES

  1. Aliyah Boston – South Carolina
  2. Ashley Owusu – Maryland
  3. Zia Cooke – South Carolina
  4. Haley Jones – Stanford
  5. Charisma Osborne – UCLA
  6. Kierstan Bell – FGCU
  7. Maddy Siegrist – Villanova
  8. Lavender Briggs – Florida
  9. Jacy Sheldon – Ohio State
  10. Mackenzie Holmes – Indiana
  11. Diamond Miller – Maryland
  12. Elizabeth Kitley – Virginia Tech
  13. Nyara Sabally – Oregon
  14. Jakia Brown -Turner – NC State
  15. Dre’Una Edwards – Kentucky
  16. Jada Boyd – NC State
  17. Francesca Belibi – Stanford
  18. Rickea Jackson – Missisippi State

FRESHMEN

  1. Caitlin Clark – Iowa
  2. Paige Bueckers – Connecticut
  3. Charlisse Leger-Walker – Washington State
  4. Cameron Brink – Stanford
  5. Hailey Van Lith – Louisville
  6. Diamond Johnson – Rutgers
  7. Lexi Fleming – Bowling Green
  8. Olivia Cochran – Louisville
  9. Kamilla Cardoso – Syracuse and Aliyah Edwards – Connecticut

Just missed: Deja Kelly (North Carolina), Te-Hina Paopao (Oregon), Jaddan Simmons (Arizona State)