In the world of women's college basketball, several players have recently delivered outstanding performances that have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. These athletes have not only contributed significantly to their teams' victories but have also set new personal and team records. This week, notable performances include Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore, Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson, UC Davis’ Tova Sabel, Siena’s Teresa Seppala, and Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle. Each player has showcased exceptional skill, leadership, and resilience, contributing to memorable wins for their respective teams.
Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore Leads Wildcats to Historic Wins
In a pair of crucial Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchups, senior point guard Georgia Amoore propelled No. 16 Kentucky to back-to-back victories over Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. The Wildcats scored an impressive 91 points against Mississippi State and 96 against Vanderbilt, marking the first time in program history that they achieved such high scores in consecutive league games. Amoore’s contributions were pivotal, as she amassed 51 points across the two games, hitting over 47% of her field goals and more than 50% from beyond the arc. Her seven 3-pointers against Mississippi State nearly tied the school record, while her nine assists in each game solidified her leading position in the SEC. Kentucky now stands at 13-1 overall, with Amoore averaging 17.9 points and 7.4 assists per game this season.
Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson Sets New Standards
Junior guard Ta’Niya Latson of Florida State has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the Seminoles to victories over Virginia Tech and Syracuse with a combined 65 points. In the win against Virginia Tech, Latson scored a career-high 40 points, matching a program record set by Natasha Howard. She also recorded five steals and five assists, becoming one of only eight players since 2002 to achieve such a feat. Against Syracuse, Latson added another 25 points, along with seven assists and six steals. With these performances, Latson leads the nation in scoring, averaging 27.9 points per game, and has already scored at least 20 points in 13 games this season. Florida State, now 13-2 overall, will face Stanford on January 9th before traveling to California.
UC Davis’ Tova Sabel Reaches Milestone
Senior guard Tova Sabel of UC Davis has been instrumental in securing two Big West Conference home victories for the Aggies. In a dominant 81-37 win over Cal State Bakersfield, Sabel scored 21 points, marking her third 20-plus point game of the season. During this contest, she surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career. Sabel continued her stellar play in a 68-41 victory over Cal State Northridge, contributing 10 points, eight rebounds, and defensive highlights including two blocks and a steal. With a 10-4 overall record and a perfect 4-0 start in conference play, UC Davis is poised for a strong season.
Siena’s Teresa Seppala Delivers Consistent Excellence
Junior guard Teresa Seppala of Siena had an impressive week, averaging 25.3 points per game over three contests. She started the week with a career-high 31 points against Cornell, despite a narrow loss. Seppala then led the Saints to a thrilling comeback victory over Manhattan, scoring eight crucial fourth-quarter points, including the final four in the last 17 seconds. She followed up with another 20-point performance against Iona. Seppala’s shooting efficiency was remarkable, hitting 52.2% from the floor, 43.5% from three, and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Siena, now 6-7 overall and 3-1 in conference play, will host Quinnipiac on January 9th.
Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle Dominates Key Games
Junior guard Kaylene Smikle of Maryland has been a force to be reckoned with, helping the Terrapins secure three significant wins, including victories over ranked opponents Michigan State and Iowa. Against Michigan State, Smikle scored 19 points, including 11 in the second half, which helped seal a 72-66 win. At home against Rutgers, she added 13 points and tied her career-high with five steals. In a tough road win against No. 23 Iowa, Smikle delivered a season-high 26 points, with critical baskets in the final minutes. Her clutch three-pointers extended Maryland’s lead and secured the victory. Smikle has consistently scored in double digits for 13 straight games and has reached 20-or-more points in seven games. As the Terrapins, undefeated at 14-0, prepare to host No. 4 Southern California, Smikle’s role will be crucial.
These performances highlight the incredible talent and determination of women’s college basketball players. Their achievements not only contribute to their teams’ success but also inspire future generations of athletes. The dedication and hard work displayed by these players serve as a testament to the growing prominence of women’s sports and the impact they have on the collegiate level.