Just over a month into the 2024-2025 women’s college basketball season, much of the chatter has been about top veteran talents like Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson or even Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. But a group of freshmen hoopers should also be on your radar.
At For The Win, we like to keep you informed and make you look cool to your friends in the group chat. Our job is to help you know a little something about who’s on your TV. So, think of this list as our not-so-secret gift to you. It’s not every freshman baller, but it’s a very solid collection of players who deserve more recognition.
Here’s five freshmen hoopers you shouldn’t ignore:
Nov 20, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) shoots a three point basket during the second half against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Sarah Strong is the best freshman in the country right now. She’s got an incredible knack for scanning the floor and knowing exactly where to be when UConn needs it. That kind of high basketball IQ is super impressive for a young player. She does a great job of getting north and south and using her momentum to shred the paint for easy baskets.
Also, she can shoot it from the 3-point line and let it fly without problems. Strong already has three 20-point games, including 21 points against Louisville, where she shot 80 percent from the field and hit 3-point buckets. UConn and Geno Auriemma have a future star on their hands, and the great news is that this isn’t her peak form. Sarah ― wait for it ― is only getting STRONGER. (I’ll show myself out.)
HENDERSON, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 25: Toby Fournier #35 of the Duke Blue Devils blocks Kennedy Taylor #12 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the third quarter of a game at Lee’s Family Forum on November 25, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Anytime a Kara Lawson-coached player makes waves, you want to pay attention. Duke freshman Toby Fournier is going to be a problem. She plays exceptionally fluidly and often completes her baskets in one movement before opponents can understand what’s happening.
Fournier’s ability to use her length to finish at the rim and elevate above players cannot be understated. It’s part of the reason why you’ll likely see her dunk ― yes, she can do that ― before the season is over and crank out a 20-point double-double like she nearly did against Virginia Tech. Fournier ended her day with 27 points and nine rebounds on 70 percent shooting.
Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) scores. abasket against TCU Horned Frogs center Sedona Prince (13) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
The folks in South Carolina have to be absolutely hyped about Joyce Edwards. The way she plays is silky smooth, and if you hear anyone comparing her to Gamecocks legend A’ja Wilson, LET THEM COOK.
The former No. 2 recruit isn’t a starter yet, but the shades of A’ja in her game (the leg kick when shooting, the spin move and the ability to finish around the rim with contact) could change that later this season or early next year. Edwards is always ready when called and imposes her will on both sides of the floor. The young forward also has exquisite body control and can casually flip a shot in while looking backward or transitioning into a Euro step. You know, nothing major.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 04: Syla Swords #12 of the Michigan Wolverines drives against MiLaysia Fulwiley #12 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter of their game during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series at T-Mobile Arena on November 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Syla Swords is a straight hooper. FULL STOP. To open the season, she made South Carolina look silly trying to guard her as she shot her way to 27 points, which wasn’t a fluke. Swords already has four 20-point games in just nine matchups. That’s BONKERS.
How does she do it? WITH CONFIDENCE. Swords has a no-fear mentality that allows her to drop buckets on anybody, and if you don’t catch her before she steps behind the 3-point line, I send my condolences to you.
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Jaloni Cambridge (22) shoots the ball against the Bowling Green Falcons in the second half at Value City Arena on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
Write this name down now: JALONI CAMBRIDGE. Don’t ask questions. Just thank me later. Cambridge is special, man. There’s no other way to say that. The amount of things she can do on the court is incredible.
At any given moment, she can navigate through the defense with a full head of steam but stop on a dime and swish a pull-up jumper, or she can go coast to coast after stealing a ball, leaving her opponents in the dust. There’s a reason she’s logging starting minutes for Ohio State. If you see Jaloni Cambridge coming through, GET OUT THE WAY.
