In a season filled with thrilling matchups, No. 4 USC secured an impressive sweep over No. 2 UCLA, clinching the Big Ten regular-season title. The standout performance came from USC’s JuJu Watkins, who delivered two remarkable outings against the Bruins. Despite UCLA’s otherwise undefeated record in games not involving Watkins, the Trojan star single-handedly altered the course of these contests. On February 13th, Watkins scored 38 points in a decisive 71-60 victory, followed by another stellar performance on Saturday, where she contributed 30 points in an 80-67 win. Her dominance was evident, and it played a pivotal role in USC’s success.
The stage was set at a packed Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, where Watkins led the charge for the Trojans. Her first-half brilliance saw her scoring 23 points, helping USC build a commanding 14-point lead by halftime. The Trojans' aggressive start set the tone for the game, but UCLA refused to back down easily. In the second half, the Bruins mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just four points late in the third quarter. However, a crucial run in the fourth period reestablished USC’s control, allowing Watkins to enjoy a well-deserved rest with a minute left on the clock.
Watkins’ all-around performance was nothing short of spectacular. She finished with 30 points, shooting 10-of-22 from the field and adding five assists, three rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the court was instrumental in USC’s victories. Over the past four encounters, Watkins has consistently delivered, scoring at least 30 points in each game and boasting a 4-1 record against UCLA. Her performances have not only earned her recognition as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year but also admiration from legends like Cheryl Miller, who was in attendance alongside her brother, UCLA alum Reggie Miller.
On the other side, UCLA’s National Player of the Year candidate, Lauren Betts, faced significant challenges. USC’s defensive strategy, which included aggressive double teams, limited Betts to just 11 points and five turnovers. Kiki Rice, another key player for the Bruins, struggled with a shooting percentage of 3-of-13. As a team, UCLA shot 36.1% from the field and committed 16 turnovers, which hindered their offensive momentum. Despite these setbacks, UCLA remains a formidable force, having been ranked as the top team by the NCAA tournament committee. Meanwhile, USC’s win secures them the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament and puts them in prime position for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The rivalry between these two teams promises even more excitement as they may face off again in the upcoming postseason.
The triumph over UCLA solidifies USC’s status as a top contender in women’s basketball. With Watkins leading the way, the Trojans have demonstrated their capability to dominate under pressure. As both teams prepare for the next stages of competition, the anticipation builds for what could be another epic confrontation between these rivals. Watkins’ exceptional performances have not only elevated USC’s chances but have also highlighted her as one of the most impactful players in the sport.
In a thrilling display of teamwork and strategic prowess, the Waterford Wildcats secured their ninth regional championship with a decisive victory over the Hiland Hawks. Kendall Sury’s outstanding performance led the charge, while the team's defensive efforts stifled Hiland's offensive plays. The Wildcats will now face Fort Loramie in the state semifinals, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch.
The Wildcats' dominant play was highlighted by Sury's game-high 26 points, effectively exploiting her size advantage against Hiland's smaller guards. The team's balanced contributions from other players ensured a well-rounded effort, both offensively and defensively. Despite facing tough competition, Waterford remained composed, leveraging their experience and preparation to secure the win.
Sury's Dominance Shines Through
Kendall Sury's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she capitalized on her physical advantages to dominate the game. Her ability to post up effectively and score inside proved crucial in maintaining Waterford's lead throughout the match. Sury's efficiency from the floor, hitting 11 out of 15 shots, showcased her versatility and readiness for high-pressure situations.
Sury's impact extended beyond scoring. Her presence in the paint created opportunities for teammates like Elsie Malec and Brynnlee Pottmeyer, who stepped up when needed. Sury's three-point play late in the third quarter widened the gap to 15 points, while her assist to Malec further solidified Waterford's control. Her leadership and adaptability were key factors in the Wildcats' success, ensuring they stayed ahead even when Hiland tried to close the gap.
Team Effort and Defensive Strength
The Wildcats' triumph was a testament to their collective effort and defensive resilience. Coach Jerry Close emphasized the importance of feeling out the opponent and capitalizing on mismatches. Avery Wagner's defensive prowess was instrumental, as she consistently disrupted Hiland's top player, Joplin Yoder. Wagner's 11 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks exemplified her all-around contribution.
Waterford's defense limited Hiland's shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. Trish Troyer's back-to-back threes briefly narrowed the deficit, but Hiland struggled overall, hitting only 3 of 17 three-point attempts. The Wildcats' rigorous regular-season schedule prepared them for such challenges, enabling them to stay composed under pressure. With this win, Waterford's senior trio of Sury, Wagner, and Smithberger are poised for another Final Four appearance, aiming to claim their second state title.
In a humbling experience for England's women’s rugby league team, they faced an overwhelming 90-4 defeat against Australia in Las Vegas. The match highlighted the significant gap between the two teams and underscored the challenges that English women’s rugby league must overcome to compete at the highest level. Despite the disheartening result, the Lionesses demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Their captain, Jodie Cunningham, emphasized the need for structural changes in the sport back home, while Amy Hardcastle likened the intense game to being inside a washing machine. Both players acknowledged the immense talent and professionalism of the Australian team and saw this loss as a valuable learning opportunity.
The Challenge on the Field
The match revealed the stark differences in preparation and professional support between the two teams. England struggled to gain possession and spent most of the game defending against the superior Australian side. Even with such a lopsided scoreline, the Lionesses showed commendable effort and character throughout the 70-minute contest. Scoring the final try of the match, despite conceding 17 earlier, demonstrated their unwavering spirit. The players expressed pride in their performance and recognized the privilege of competing against world-class athletes like the Jillaroos.
Hardcastle and Cunningham both reflected on the experience, noting that it was crucial to understand what they needed to improve upon when returning home. Hardcastle praised the athleticism and professionalism of the Australian team, emphasizing the incredible backing they receive. She believed that facing such top-tier competition provided invaluable insights into the necessary adjustments required to elevate English women’s rugby league. The players were acutely aware of the areas needing improvement but remained optimistic about the future, seeing this setback as a stepping stone toward better performances.
The Road Ahead for Women's Rugby League in England
The disparity in investment between women’s rugby leagues in Australia and England became evident during the match. In Australia, players in the NRL Women’s Premiership are either full-time or semi-professional, receiving substantial support and resources. In contrast, English players often play for expenses or nothing at all. This financial and structural gap has led to a significant difference in skill levels and overall competitiveness. Cunningham highlighted these issues before the match, acknowledging the progress made in recent years but also recognizing the extensive work still needed.
Former Great Britain head coach Jackie Sheldon pointed out that Australia’s dominance over the past two decades stems from consistent investment in women’s rugby league. To catch up, England must focus on enhancing physical conditioning and developing a more robust infrastructure. The experiences gained by English players who have moved to the NRLW could be instrumental in bridging this gap. Players like Georgia Roche, Hollie-Mae Dodd, and Paige Travis, who now compete in Australia, bring valuable skills and knowledge back to the English team. While the road ahead is challenging, the painful memories of the Vegas defeat may ultimately serve as motivation for the Lionesses to become stronger and more competitive in future international matches.