Hannah Hidalgo shines with 24 points as Notre Dame defeats USC

In the United States, women's basketball has seen remarkable performances already this season. Notably, Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore guard from Notre Dame, was named the Associated Press national player of the week after a standout performance on Saturday, November 23, 2024. In a crucial game, Hidalgo led her then-No. 6 ranked team to a 74-61 victory over third-ranked USC, a performance bolstered by her impressive tally of 24 points, along with eight assists and six rebounds. This victory not only secured an important win for Notre Dame but also demonstrated Hidalgo's consistent impact on the court, marking her 10th game in her collegiate career with at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. This makes her the most prolific player in Division I women's basketball over the last 25 seasons in such a statistic, showcasing her talent and versatility, as she has clearly established herself as a key player for her team. Meanwhile, the recognition of Hidalgo as the week's player highlights a growing trend in collegiate women's basketball where individual performances can significantly influence team success and garner national attention. Her performance was strong enough to earn her the distinction among fierce competition, including runner-up Maya McDermott of Northern Iowa, who had an outstanding game against Iowa State, scoring a career-high 37 points. McDermott’s impressive shooting performance, where she went 14-of-21 from the field, signifies the high level of competition and talent present in the league. The excitement over Hidalgo and McDermott’s performances speaks volumes to the intensifying level of play and competitiveness among female collegiate athletes. In addition to Hidalgo and McDermott, other players also received honorable mentions for their performances during the week, including Lauren Jensen from Creighton, Kendall Bostic from Illinois, and Laura Ziegler from Saint Joseph's, who have all made notable contributions to their respective teams. One standout player to keep an eye on is Jalei Oglesby from Oral Roberts, who had 23 points and five assists in a recent game against Arkansas. This match marked an important victory for Oral Roberts, showcasing the broader landscape of women's basketball where lesser-known programs are stepping up to challenge and defeat teams with Power Four conference status. Hidalgo's achievements and growing recognition reflect not just her efforts but also signify a changing dynamic in women's sports where talent, dedication, and individual accolades are increasingly celebrated and rewarded. The momentum that players like Hidalgo are building can have long-lasting effects, including heightened interest in women's basketball, better recruitment, and overall improved conditions for female athletes. As the season continues, fans, coaches, and players alike will be watching closely to see if Hidalgo can sustain this impressive performance level and further contribute to Notre Dame's aspirations this season.