There’s hardly ever a scarcity of excessive profile freshmen in girls’s faculty basketball, and this yr isn’t any totally different.Â
A number of of the nation’s prime applications — like South Carolina, UConn and USC — have added to their rosters by signing elite highschool prospects. Consequently, CBS Sports activities was moved to introduce a girls’s faculty basketball freshman tracker.
For this tracker, we are going to begin off each week of the school basketball season by highlighting standout performances from a number of the greatest freshmen within the nation:Â
Jaloni Cambridge, PG — Ohio State
A five-star freshman and the No. 3 participant within the 2024 class, Jaloni Cambridge lived as much as all of the hype in her Ohio State debut.
Final Tuesday, the No. 12 Buckeyes began the season by routing Cleveland State by a rating of 104-69. Through the blowout win, Cambridge launched the Ohio State devoted to her dynamic offense, pouring in 31 factors on 12 of 14 from the ground. She additionally added six rebounds, six assists, 5 steals and two blocked photographs in simply 26 minutes of competitors.
Though Ohio State was anticipated to run away with this early season win, Cambridge appears to have the expertise and the steam to be an actual difference-maker for the Buckeyes. If she continues to seek out her footing, she may very well be a superb scoring choice for Kevin McGuff’s offense.
No. 14 Ohio State performs Charlotte on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ETÂ
Sarah Robust, F — UConn
Sarah Robust has hit the bottom operating for the No. 2 UConn Huskies.Â
UConn began the season with a 86-32 win over Boston College on Thursday. Throughout this contest, Robust performed 24 minutes, tallying 17 factors, 4 rebounds and three assists. In Sunday’s 86-49 victory over South Florida, Robust confirmed off her worth as a rebounder by grabbing seven boards to go together with 13 factors and 4 assists.
By two video games, Robust has proved to be an impactful frontcourt participant for a Huskies workforce that has nationwide championship aspirations. Additionally, the No. 1 participant within the 2024 recruiting class is giving coach Geno Auriemma an concept of what UConn’s future may very well be as soon as Paige Bueckers leaves for the WNBA.
No. 2 Connecticut performs No. 14 North Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m. ET
Kate Koval, F — Notre Dame
Kate Koval had a robust begin to her faculty profession in Notre Dame’s massive win over Mercyhurst. The freshman ahead had 18 of Notre Dame’s 105 factors whereas including seven rebounds and three assists.Â
This sizzling begin carried over to the Combating Irish’s contest in opposition to Purdue on Sunday. Though Koval solely scored eight factors, she did seize 10 boards. This, alongside together with her 4 assists, offers hope that Koval might become an incredible second choice in Notre Dame’s frontcourt behind Liatu King.
No. 6 Notre Dame performs James Madison on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET
Syla Swords, G — Michigan
Michigan has discovered itself a licensed scorer in Syla Swords.Â
In simply two video games with the Wolverines, Swords is averaging 23.5 factors. This features a 27-point, 12-rebound outing in Michigan’s season-opening loss to No. 1 South Carolina.Â
Whereas it is perhaps tough for Sword to proceed this kind of scoring all through an extended faculty basketball season, followers ought to count on her total manufacturing to enhance as she get extra snug with the school recreation. If that occurs, then Swords may very well be a shoo-in to win the Large Ten Freshman of the 12 months award.
Michigan performs Central Michigan on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET
Kennedy Smith, G — USC
With Juju Watkins and Kiki Iriafen on the roster, No. 3 USC has already found out which gamers will get the majority of its touches. Nevertheless, that does not imply {that a} freshman guard like Kennedy Smith will not get a loads of probabilities to show herself.Â
Smith performed 37 minutes within the Trojans’ season-opener in opposition to No. 20 Ole Miss. She chipped in 12 factors, seven rebounds and two assists in USC’s two-point victory over the Rebels. But, it was USC’s subsequent outing in opposition to Cal Poly when Smith actually confirmed her price.
Other than the ten factors she scored, Smith generated two steals and two blocks. That sort of defensive promise is an effective signal for USC. With Watkins and Iriafen carrying the offensive load, Smith’s dedication to protection will likely be extraordinarily beneficial to a workforce that is seeking to win an NCAA championship.
No. 3 USC performs Cal State Northridge on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET
