As Week 11 of the women’s college basketball season unfolds, ION analyst Autumn Johnson has locked in her Starting Five of the Week, highlighting 5 players whose performances are defining the moment.

From high-scoring nights to all-around dominance, Johnson’s guard-heavy selections reflect timely brilliance as conference play deepens.

1. Dani Carnegie

Georgia Lady Bulldogs guard Dani Carnegie was Johnson's first pick, and a worthy one.

Averaging 18.9 points this season while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from three, Carnegie has been relentless. She started all 19 games the Lady Bullodogs played this season. Her recent outing against Ole Miss on January 18 was a season-high points statement.

The sophomore poured 32 points in the match with 11 rebounds in an 82–59 win. Carnegie repeated the feat with 31 points in the Lady Bulldogs' last game against Arkansas, driving her side to a 76-66 victory. No wonder Johnson called her "a bucket getter".

Stailee Heard

Staile Heard, the Oklahoma guard, became the second player in Johnson's team. The 2024–25 All-Big 12 is averaging 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds this season. Though these numbers look average, her recent performances tell a bigger story.

Heard posted her first career triple-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in an 86–58 win over Iowa State on January 18. "Stailee has been a steady engine for the Cowgirls and her versatility was on full display," Johnson stated about her, and hence, it isn't surprising that Heard made it to her team.

Imari Berry

“Louisville’s Imari Berry impacted the game on every level versus NC State”, Johnson said while talking about the Cardinals guard.

Berry posted her first 30+ career performance, finishing with 33 points and 12 rebounds in overtime against the NC State Wolkpack on January 18. That performance helped extend Louisville’s winning streak to 11 with an 18-3 record.

Berry also earned ACC Player of the Week honors, which speaks volumes about why Johnson selected her for her fantasy team.

Flau’jae Johnson

Flau’jae Johnson's incredible performances have been one of the key factors behind LSU’s success this season. She posted 23 points and 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal to take her side past Oklahoma on January 18.

She managed another steal in LSU's latest game against Texas A&M, where her side won 98-54.

"Flau’jae continues to impact, winning in every fashion," Johnson said of her 50.7 shooting percentage for the season. It's understandable why she is on Johnson's team.

Destiny Howell

Rounding out the starting 5 is Wisconsin's Destiny Howell. Fresh off a 39-point program record performance in a double-overtime win against Oregon, the newly transferred guard is already making her mark in the Big Ten.

A pointless game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers may have reduced her average from 14.5 points per match to 13.7, but she keeps chipping in with worthy contributions for her side, including blocks.

"Wisconsin's Destiny Howell simply would not be denied," Johnson stated, and so she did by including her in her team.

Do you agree with Johnson's list? If not, who would you like to replace?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy