Women’s College Basketball power Rankings: A Look at the Rising Teams
The early season is delivering exciting performances and shifting landscapes in women’s college basketball. As we move deeper into November, several teams are making compelling cases for national recognition. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand, focusing on teams climbing the ranks and key players to watch.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Previously #13)
Tennessee is demonstrating resilience, but a slight offensive dip is worth noting. They secured a solid win against Belmont, fueled by a dominant performance from Talaysia Cooper, who posted 22 points and 14 rebounds. However, if you’re a Lady vols fan, you might be observing a slight shift in scoring compared to last season’s impressive 87.2 points per game. Currently, they’re averaging 78.5, having exceeded 80 points onyl once so far.
Upcoming Schedule:
* November 20: @ Middle Tennessee
* November 23: vs. Coppin State
ole Miss Rebels (Previously #14)
Ole Miss is showcasing both grit and firepower. Their recent victory over Memphis was a hard-fought battle, requiring a strong fourth-quarter comeback and overtime dominance. Senior forward Cotie McMahon is proving to be a consistent force, delivering double-doubles in back-to-back games with a combined 37 points and 22 rebounds.
Upcoming Schedule:
* November 24: vs. Longwood
Iowa State Cyclones (Previously #15)
Iowa State is making a statement with its high-powered offense, led by a truly exceptional player. Centre Audi Crooks is currently the Big 12’s leading scorer,averaging an impressive 26.4 points per game – a feat she also accomplished last season. I’ve been particularly impressed by her recent performances, including breaking the program’s single-game scoring record with 43 points against Valparaiso, followed by a perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance for 19 points against Norfolk State.
Upcoming Schedule:
* November 20: @ Drake
* November 23: vs. Mercyhurst
A Shift in the Landscape
The rankings are always fluid, and this week saw one notable departure. Duke has dropped out of the top 25, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport. It’s a reminder that maintaining consistency is crucial, and even established programs can face challenges early in the season.
This is shaping up to be a thrilling season, and I’m excited to continue tracking these teams and the rising stars that are defining the game. Keep an eye on these programs – they’re poised to make significant impacts as the season unfolds.
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