From a team missing its star player to a franchise that's looking to break records, NCAA Women’s Basketball is brimming with talent this season. Meanwhile, Talia Goodman has her top-five picks sorted.

Here's where the WNBA reporter ranks standouts from Monday, December 29th's packed schedule.

Kennedy Smith (USC)

No. 17 USC held off No. 20 Nebraska for a 74-66 win, giving the Huskers their first loss of the season as Kennedy Smith excelled in rebounds and assists.

She put up 9 rebounds and 6 assists while also putting 17 points and 2 steals on the board.

The sophomore shot 66.7% from the field, taking USC to a 10-3 record. In the absence of JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith are carrying the team forward. They travel to Los Angeles to face UCLA.

Kya Smith (Army)

Rarely in the national spotlight, the Army took on Howard in New York, where starter Kya Smith exploded with a season-high 27 points and 22 rebounds. The 6'1 forward gave Army its 9th win, making 15 of 15 free throws.

She brought all eyes to the unranked Black Nights, who will be facing the Lehigh Mountain Hawks next.

Oluchi Okananwa (Maryland)

The Terrapins landed the 5'10 transfer from Duke, who will be playing the Big Ten for the first time. The junior is already averaging 16.4 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Her all-around performance of 28 points, 3-of-4 from the deep, and 5 rebounds and 6 steals against Wisconsin in only 20 minutes played caught Talia Goodman's eye. The Terrapins won 97-59, extending the streak to 14-0.

Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)

To begin with, perhaps Hannah Hidalgo is having the best season so far. She made NCAA history by posting 200 points and 50 steals in the first 9 games of the season twice.

And to top it off, she surpassed Niele Ivey’s all-time steals record to stand 2nd in the program with 350. Most recently, during Notre Dame's dominant 94-59 win over Pittsburgh, she made 30 points, 4 steals, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Abbie Aalsma (Drake)

The junior guard from Drake is putting up numbers like no other. In the 78-62 win over UIC, she emerged as the points leader with 30 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.

Additionally, Goodman also highlighted her 6 of 9 from the deep. She leads the MVC conference with a 60.0 2-Point Field Goal Percentage.

With standout performers, key performances, and momentum shifts, the NCAA Women’s Basketball landscape is shifting. So, tell us who your favorite is.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi