We are a little over two weeks through the season, and the amount of talent has shown in full glory. From some crazy blowouts to upsets, video game numbers to disappointments, we have nearly seen it all. If you have not had an opportunity to watch the first few games, let's get you up to speed on some of the best performances through the first two weeks of the season.
Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) vs. Akron
Stat line: 28 minutes played, 44 points, 9 rebounds, 16 steals
Despite missing the last few minutes of the game and not playing full starter minutes, Hannah Hidalgo put up not only incredible stats but also broke two records in the process. She set the school record for most points scored in a game and also set the NCAA record for most steals in a game, surpassing the previous record by 2 steals.
Many people may look past this game after the Fighting Irish's last game against Michigan. However, Hidalgo has established herself as one of the top players to watch this season and has continued to build on the incredible season she had last year. She headlined the Wooden Watch List for WBB, and if she can keep up her momentum, she will likely make a case to win it.
Audi Crooks (Iowa State) vs. Valparaiso
Stat line: 20 minutes played, 43 points, 7 rebounds
Playing only half the game, many wouldn't expect Audi Crooks to put up the usual stats that she did. However, she not only put up better stats then normal but she also put up 43 points in those 20 minutes. She simply could not miss in this game going 18-23 from the field on top of that.
Crooks is currently in the top five in the country in points per game, as well as shooting percentage. Like Hidalgo, she is going to be a player to watch this season, and her ability to contribute every time that she is on the court is something that shouldn't go unnoticed. The in-state Iowa recruit is on a pathway to be an all-timer for the Cyclones.
Addy Brown (Iowa State) vs. Norfolk State
Stat line: 25 minutes played, 11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
Some people may be frustrated with two players on the same team being recognized, but to have the only triple-double this season thus far is something that should be spotlighted and praised. Addy Brown had a game to remember against Norfolk State, as she recorded only the fourth triple-double in Cyclone history.
To achieve a triple-double is quite the achievement for any player to accomplish. However, doing it in the first couple weeks of the season is very impressive. Audi Crooks is not the only Cyclone player that opposing teams need to look after, and Addy Brown proved that in this game.
Liv McGill (Florida) vs. Chattanooga
Stat line: 40 minutes played, 38 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 7 steals
To simply put it: Liz McGill was all over the court the entire game against Chattanooga. She played the entirety of the game and was two boards away from a triple double and three steals away from a quadrouple-double. This was not talked about much in the media, but it needs to be recognized.
The Gators are a sneaky 4-1 on the season thus far, and McGill is sitting towards the top of the NCAA in points per game and assists per game. She will continue to draw attention from opposing defenses after this game, but she has shown that she can contribute in all aspects of the game and making her a problem for opposing teams.
Maggie Doogan (Richmond) vs. Temple
Stat line: 40 minutes played, 31 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists
If you're looking for a mid-major to watch this season, the Richmond Spiders are a great one to consider, led by their senior forward Maggie Doogan. She has had a great start to the season, but no start can be nearly as good as her last showing against Temple with a near triple-double. She showed in this game that she doesn't have to be subbed out and will play great from opening tip to final buzzer.
Richmond is sitting at an impressive 4-1 start to their season, with their lone loss coming to Texas. However, even in that big loss, Doogan played really well, putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds. Many have stated that she is one of the top mid-major players this season, and thus far, she has proven that. If she can continue this momentum, she could help lead the Spiders to an upset victory come March.