Reigan Richardson shatters record with 35 points against ranked opponent

In early December 2024, Duke University's women's basketball player Reigan Richardson was recognized as the Associated Press national player of the week following her impressive performance in Week 4 of the season. The senior guard led her team to victory in the Ball Dawgs Classic title game with an exceptional career-high performance, scoring 35 points against No. 8 ranked Oklahoma. This feat not only marked a personal best for Richardson but also set a school record for the most points scored against a ranked opponent. Despite her individual brilliance, the week included a balanced performance as she contributed 16 points in a game against Kansas State and followed this with 19 points in a victory over Columbia. Overall, Richardson averaged 23.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists throughout that week while maintaining an impressive shooting accuracy of 53.8% from the field. In addition to Richardson's remarkable achievements, the announcement recognized other players who had standout performances as well. Sedona Prince of TCU was named a runner-up for her historic accomplishment of recording 20 rebounds and eight blocks in a game against then-No. 3 Notre Dame - a milestone that no player had achieved in NCAA history against a top-five team. Prince also contributed 20 points in that match, showcasing her all-around capabilities on the court. Various honorable mentions went to notable players like Paige Bueckers from UConn, Ta'Niya Latson from Florida State, and Aneesah Morrow from LSU, highlighting the competitive nature of women's college basketball during this season. The recognition of Reigan Richardson as player of the week reflects the increasing visibility and talent seen in women's sports, emphasizing the significant contributions female athletes are making to college basketball and beyond. This moment serves as an important reminder of the dedication and hard work of these athletes, who continue to break records and raise the bar for performance standards in the sport. Additionally, young athletes, including future talents, are encouraged to strive for excellence using the examples set by players like Richardson as motivation to reach their own ambitions in sports. As the season progresses, it will be worth watching how these players develop and what records they might achieve in the weeks to come. The implications of Richardson's victory are significant not only for her individual career but also as a catalyst for promoting women's basketball as a whole. With more attention given to these athletes and their achievements, fans and supporters are likely to become more engaged, which could lead to increased media coverage and more significant investments in women's sports. Overall, the recognition of these athletes elevates the discussion surrounding women's college basketball and highlights the potential for growth within the sport in general.