Who’re the highest 25 gamers in ladies’s March Insanity?

Since ESPN’s rating of the highest 25 gamers within the nation in late February, a brand new NCAA scoring champ was topped, USC received its first Pac-12 match title in 10 years and three groups are dancing for the primary time in March Insanity.

However not every little thing is new.

Caitlin Clark stays No. 1 in ESPN’s rating of the nation’s finest 25 gamers within the 2024 ladies’s NCAA match. The Iowa Hawkeyes guard has maintained her prime spot all season lengthy. However with video games set to tip off — the First 4 opens Wednesday and the spherical of 64 begins Friday — there are some adjustments from our most up-to-date rating.

Freshmen and their quick influence have been a key storyline in 2023-24, and so they’re anticipated to be a giant issue within the match. 4 first-year gamers are on our newest listing — three of them within the prime 10 — and a number of other others have been strongly thought of.

Our panel — ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel — are additionally in the identical place because the NCAA choice committee: We aren’t certain of the standing of some injured gamers. Elizabeth Kitley is probably the most high-profile, after lacking the ACC match with a knee harm suffered March 3 in a regular-season finale. The Virginia Tech Hokies middle continues to be on our listing, however dropped a bit since February due to the uncertainty and her time away from taking part in.

Limiting the listing to 25 gamers is all the time a troublesome job, as a result of many extra have an excellent case to make the rankings. Creme, Philippou and Voepel will re-rank the highest 25 gamers heading into the Candy 16.

Guard | 6-foot-0 | senior
Stats: 31.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.8 SPG
Earlier rating: 1

After a record-breaking common season and third consecutive Massive Ten match title, Clark will attempt to lead Iowa via a troublesome NCAA match bracket. She had some 3-point capturing struggles within the Massive Ten match that may have been precipitated partly by fatigue. The break day because the Massive Ten remaining on March 10 ought to assist. Clark is aware of Iowa will want her to be at celebrity stage for her remaining Massive Dance. Final season, she scored a file 191 factors in six NCAA video games throughout Iowa’s march to the nationwide championship recreation. — Voepel

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Guard | 6-foot-2 | freshman
Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.2 APG
Earlier rating: 2

Watkins helped lead USC again to the Pac-12 mountaintop because the Trojans received their first convention match title since 2014. Within the title recreation, with Stanford throwing the kitchen sink at her defensively, Watkins was held to a season-low 9 factors and dedicated 6 turnovers. Nonetheless, afterward USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasised that even the perfect defensive recreation plans cannot utterly account for the kind of winner Watkins is, and that she’ll determine what it takes to return out with the win. Whereas it was confidence-instilling for USC that others stepped up in large methods to assist make up for the freshman’s off evening, Watkins will stay their centerpiece and spearhead any kind of run they make in March — and the basketball world eagerly awaits to see how she performs underneath the brightest highlight but. — Philippou

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Ahead | 6-foot-4 | senior
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.5 BPG
Earlier rating: 2

For the reason that February rating, Brink has maintained her standing because the nation’s best participant, based on Her Hoop Stats, and has added the Pac-12 participant and defensive participant of the yr awards. It is the third convention defensive honor for Brink, the nationwide chief in blocked pictures per recreation this season. That protection was essential to Stanford’s run to a nationwide championship in 2021 in Brink’s freshman season. If the Cardinal are to climb that mountain once more, Brink must showcase her ever-evolving offensive recreation. Her scoring, rebounding, help and blocked pictures averages have improved every season of her profession. Her worth is barely magnified in noting that Stanford misplaced the 2 video games she missed (sickness pressured her out vs. Gonzaga after 11 minutes, and she or he sat out all of a recreation vs. Arizona). These losses doubtless value the Cardinal a No. 1 seed. — Creme

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Guard | 6-foot-0 | junior
Stats: 21.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 53.8%
Earlier rating: 3

Bueckers upped her recreation within the Massive East match, averaging 27.7 factors (62.1 eFG%), 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 4.0 blocks and three.0 steals throughout three outings, whereas shouldering much more duty with teammate Aaliyah Edwards sidelined after breaking her nostril within the quarterfinal. Massive East opponents aren’t the identical stage of competitors UConn will face within the NCAA match, however that kind of efficiency made UConn followers begin to marvel if the perfect is but to return for Bueckers as she enters her first March Insanity since her magical 2022 run, when she catalyzed their journey to the championship recreation on one (totally) wholesome knee. — Philippou

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Guard | 5-foot-6 | freshman
Stats: 23.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 SPG
Earlier rating: 10

In lots of seasons, Hidalgo could be nationwide freshman of the yr. This yr, that may doubtless go to USC’s Watkins, however Hidalgo has had an excellent first season. She ranks third in Division I in scoring common, first in steals and eleventh amongst Energy 5 gamers in assists. Hidalgo was ACC match MVP as Notre Dame received the title. She’s one of many nation’s finest perimeter defensive gamers. If seeds maintain within the Albany 1 Regional, Hidalgo will get a second probability at South Carolina. The groups met within the season opener in Paris, received 100-71 by the Gamecocks. Hidalgo had 31 factors, 3 steals and three assists in that recreation. — Voepel

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Ahead | 6-foot-2 | graduate
Stats: 19.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 47.1 FG%
Earlier rating: 13

As Tennessee hit the stretch run of its season, Jackson simply appeared to get higher. She averaged 23.3 factors and eight.0 rebounds in three video games towards South Carolina within the remaining month, an excellent signal for the Girl Vols’ NCAA match hopes and for Jackson’s WNBA draft standing. Had she not missed eight video games in November and December with an harm, her 19.4 factors per recreation would have certified to guide the SEC. That the Girl Vols solely went 4-4 in these video games underscores Jackson’s worth and the way necessary she shall be to Tennessee’s efforts to succeed in the Closing 4 for the primary time since 2008. — Creme

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Guard | 5-foot-6 | senior
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.9 APG
Earlier rating: 7

With Kitley’s standing unsure for the rest of the postseason, Amoore will doubtless must do much more for the Hokies — with some assist from the complementary gamers round her — to maintain their season alive. We have already seen what that might appear like: Amoore scored a career-high 39 factors towards Virginia within the recreation wherein Kitley went down with the harm, and later tried a career-high 29 pictures of their ACC match semifinal matchup towards Notre Dame (each have been eventual losses). The Hokies have had a while these previous couple of weeks to gameplan round Kitley’s potential absence and what which means for Amoore, so we’ll must see what coach Kenny Brooks and Co. got here up with. — Philippou

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Ahead | 6-foot-3 | senior
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 59.4%
Earlier rating: 8

Edwards missed many of the Massive East match with a damaged nostril, however must be good to go for the NCAA match — and the Huskies will want her taking part in her finest basketball in the event that they need to make a run. UConn is down to 2 publish gamers for the remainder of the postseason (Edwards and redshirt freshman Ice Brady) after junior Amari DeBerry was dominated out for the rest of the yr with a concussion, making it much more crucial that Edwards stays wholesome, out of foul bother and on the ground. — Philippou

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Ahead/guard | 6-foot-1 | freshman
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.9 APG
Earlier rating: 14

Texas was thought of a strong choose for the Closing 4 final fall, however then misplaced level guard Rori Harmon for the season to a knee harm in late December. At that time, Booker was already standing out, however she stepped into a good larger position. The star freshman’s potential to rise to the event got here totally into focus as she was MVP of the Massive 12 match received by the Longhorns. Booker’s dimension, clean capturing, playmaking and confidence are key elements for Texas’ hopes of reaching the Closing 4 for the primary time since 2003. — Voepel

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Ahead | 6-foot-3 | junior
Stats: 19.0 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG
Earlier rating: 11

Reese ranks second in Division I in rebounding, one in all LSU’s largest strengths and a key to the Tigers defending their nationwide championship. They’re third in D-I — and first amongst Energy 5 groups — on the boards (46.5 RPG). Solely 5 gamers have repeated because the Closing 4 Most Excellent Participant; the final to take action was UConn’s Breanna Stewart, who received the glory all 4 of her seasons (2013-2016). Reese may repeat this yr, however LSU first should get via what seems just like the hardest area simply to advance to the Closing 4. — Voepel

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Middle | 6-foot-6 | graduate
Stats: 22.8 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 55.6 FG%
Earlier rating: 6

Kitley’s availability is among the prime storylines heading into the NCAA match. The knee harm she suffered towards Virginia within the March 3 regular-season finale has saved the three-time ACC participant of the yr sidelined since. Together with the loss to the Cavaliers, Virginia Tech is 1-2 with out her. The Hokies managed to carry a No. 4 seed and the precise to host first- and second-round video games, but when Kitley is unable to go — and early within the week coach Kenny Brooks nonetheless known as her standing day-to-day — then repeating final yr’s Closing 4 run appears unlikely. Even when Kitley performs, she doubtless would not be 100%, and that value her a number of spots in these rankings. A wholesome Kitley is the preeminent low-post offensive participant within the nation — and the perfect participant in Virginia Tech historical past. — Creme

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Middle | 6-foot-7 | sophomore
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 65.3%
Earlier rating: 9

It is clear how central Betts is to UCLA’s ceiling. Simply take a look at how the Bruins fared when she was absent for 4 video games throughout the Pac-12 common season. However we nonetheless won’t have seen the total extent of that play out. After UCLA fell to USC in double additional time within the Pac-12 match semifinals, coach Cori Shut lamented that the Bruins did not get Betts the ball sufficient. Nonetheless, her presence defensively and on the glass is every little thing for a Bruins staff that is eyeing its first NCAA Closing 4 — if it could get via the gauntlet that’s the Albany 2 Regional. — Philippou

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Middle | 6-foot-7 | senior
Stats: 14.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.6 BPG
Earlier rating: 10

The most effective true facilities within the school recreation, Cardoso will should be large for South Carolina to win the championship. She is going to miss the NCAA match opener after being ejected for combating within the SEC remaining vs. LSU. However Cardoso ought to have loads of alternative to say herself after that anticipated victory. In final season’s nationwide semifinal loss to Iowa, Cardoso had 14 factors and 14 rebounds and was one of many hardest gamers for the Hawkeyes to defend. — Voepel

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Ahead | 6-foot-2 | senior
Stats: 20.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG
Earlier rating: 12

Utah was the final staff to beat Pac-12 match champion USC, and in that recreation Pili completed with a team-high 23 factors on simply 10 pictures from the sphere (she went 12-for-14 from the free throw line). She hasn’t been constantly dominant all through the Pac-12 season, however we all know what occurred the final time the Utes confronted a nonconference opponent, a staff not as conversant in her and Utah’s distinctive fashion of play: Pili scored a career-high 37 factors towards South Carolina, which narrowly escaped with a win. Pili must be aggressive and environment friendly, and get some assist from her teammates, for Utah to advance to the Candy 16 as soon as extra this yr. — Philippou

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Guard | 6-foot-1 | junior
Stats: 16.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Earlier rating: 15

Morrow did not get an opportunity to play within the NCAA match final season; her staff then, DePaul, did not make the sphere. She transferred to LSU and has shaped a robust duo with Reese. Morrow is second on the staff in scoring and rebounding, and leads in steals and blocked pictures. She may be the X issue for LSU on this NCAA match as a result of she’s so able to large performances. — Voepel

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Guard | 5-foot-10 | graduate
Stats: 18.1 PPG, 3.8 APG, 50.1% FG
Earlier rating: 16

If the Buckeyes are going to make one other run on the Elite Eight or past, they are going to depend on their full-court press to prepared the ground. And it is Sheldon, together with Celeste Taylor, the Massive Ten defensive participant of the yr, who prepared the ground in that press. Sheldon was second to Taylor within the Massive Ten in steals, but additionally led Ohio State in scoring and subject purpose share. It is what makes Sheldon among the finest two-guards within the nation and Ohio State’s most necessary participant. It is no coincidence that the Buckeyes’ most disappointing results of the season, a loss to Maryland within the quarterfinals of the Massive Ten match, got here when Sheldon scored simply 10 factors. Her velocity, vary, instincts and regular demeanor make her important to Ohio State’s postseason probabilities. — Creme

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Guard | 6-foot-3 | junior
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG
Earlier rating: 22

Iriafen wasn’t on earlier iterations of this listing however has moved up the ranks as she made waves within the Pac-12. Her 28 factors, 18 rebounds and 5 rebounds towards Cal within the Pac-12 quarterfinals have been notably memorable, particularly because the Cardinal fell down early in that matchup. However that is her first March with an outsized position for Stanford (she performed simply lower than 5 minutes of their loss to Ole Miss within the 2023 match). The Portland 4 Regional is pretty open, however the Cardinal will want a stellar match from their junior star to not merely get previous the second spherical, the place they fell final yr, however to doubtlessly make it to Cleveland. — Philippou

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Ahead | 6-foot-3 | graduate
Stats: 20.0 PPG, 6. RPG, 66.7 FG%
Earlier rating: 17

Whereas the reviews on Holmes’ standing appear to be getting extra optimistic because the NCAA match approaches, the knee harm she suffered towards Maryland within the March 3 regular-season finale stays a priority. She has been practising full-time, which is a lot better information than this time final yr when she was nonetheless restricted by a knee harm suffered within the Massive Ten match. Holmes could not play within the NCAA match opener towards Tennessee Tech and was not herself as Miami upset the top-seeded Hoosiers within the second spherical. Her low-post presence and nation-best subject purpose share are important to Indiana getting out Bloomington and into the regionals this yr. — Creme

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Guard | 5-foot-8 | sophomore
Stats: 21.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.0 APG
Earlier rating: 18

A yr in the past the Seminoles entered the NCAA match with out Latson. A late-season harm prevented the ACC’s prime scorer and freshman of the yr to overlook Florida State’s first-round recreation towards Georgia. And she or he was missed because the Seminoles scored simply 54 factors in a 12-point loss. That will not be the case this yr. After taking part in all 32 video games, Latson is wholesome headed into the NCAA match. She remained one of many nation’s most constant scorers, duplicating her scoring output from a yr in the past whereas bettering her help numbers. With large performances towards Stanford, UCLA and Notre Dame, Latson averaged 21 PPG towards groups on this yr’s subject. — Creme

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Guard | 5-foot-5 | graduate
Stats: 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.5 APG
Earlier rating: 19

Syracuse shedding three of its final 4 video games cannot be attributed to Truthful and her uncanny scoring abilities. She averaged 25.4 in Syracuse’s remaining 5 video games and in that stretch handed Brittney Griner for fifth place on the NCAA ladies’s all-time scoring listing. Solely Hidalgo and Kitley averaged extra factors per recreation within the ACC this season, and Truthful led the convention with a 37.9 3-point capturing share. Truthful is a risk practically wherever on the ground, whose vary is second solely to Iowa’s Clark among the many nation’s prime gamers. — Creme

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21. Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina Gamecocks

Guard | 5-foot-9 | senior
Stats: 11.1 PPG, 3.79 APG, 73 3-pointers
Earlier rating: 20

The narrative of Paopao filling a 3-point capturing want for the Gamecocks after transferring from Oregon has been oft-told, however that is as a result of it is such an necessary a part of this season for undefeated South Carolina. The Gamecocks do not have a star on the extent of Aliyah Boston this yr. However with Paopao main the best way, they’ve a more practical assault from behind the arc. It has made them even more durable to protect. — Voepel

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Middle | 6-foot-6 | senior
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 62.2 FG%
Earlier rating: 23

Lee missed the 2022-23 season with a knee harm, and never surprisingly the Wildcats missed the NCAA match. Together with her again this season, they acquired a No. 4 seed and can host the early rounds. That is how a lot distinction it makes to have a star middle whose manufacturing is usually a given. Lee was out seven video games this season — one was a forfeit victory — with an ankle harm. However she confirmed she was prepared for the NCAA match with a robust Massive 12 match efficiency: 47 factors and 21 rebounds in Okay-State’s two video games. — Voepel

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Ahead | 6-foot-4 | sophomore
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 66%
Earlier rating: 24

Arguably one of many extra unheralded Pac-12 stars, Beers was large for the Beavers to take down Colorado in double additional time of the Pac-12 match (27 factors, 13 rebounds) earlier than the staff went chilly offensively and gave up a giant result in Stanford within the subsequent spherical. Final decade, coach Scott Rueck took Oregon State to 1 Closing 4, one other journey to the Elite Eight and two extra journeys to the Candy 16. For this yr’s younger (albeit surging) Beavers to succeed in at the least the regional semifinals, Beers must be a breakout star of the match — however she has the promise to do it. — Philippou

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Middle | 6-foot-3 | freshman
Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 58.4 FG%
Earlier rating: NR

Rather a lot was requested of the freshman this season, and she or he delivered. Crooks led the Cyclones in scoring, helped them end fourth within the Massive 12 and make it to the league match remaining. She totaled 73 factors (capturing 59.6% from the sphere) and 24 rebounds — all towards ranked foes — in her three Massive 12 match video games. All this propelled her into our prime 25 for the primary time this season. — Voepel

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Ahead | 6-foot-1 | senior
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 61.3FG%
Earlier rating: NR

As constant as any participant within the nation, Ejim has scored in double figures in 51 of her previous 52 video games. She dominated the WCC, but additionally averaged 25.0 factors per recreation towards NCAA match groups Alabama, Arizona, Louisville and Stanford. Her publish recreation is the centerpiece of the Bulldogs offense with a subject purpose share that ranks seventh within the nation. Solely Brink has a better participant effectivity score than Ejim. She not solely captured the WCC’s participant of the yr award, but additionally the league’s defensive participant of the yr after rating within the top-10 in each blocks and steals. — Creme

Additionally thought of: MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina Gamecocks; Abbey Hsu, Columbia Lions; Aziaha James, NC State Wolfpack; Charisma Osborne, UCLA Bruins; JJ Quinerly, West Virginia Mountaineers; Kiki Rice, UCLA Bruins; Shyanne Sellers, Maryland Terrapins; Jaylyn Sherrod, Colorado Buffaloes; Mikaylah Williams, LSU Tigers