The NCAA Women’s tournament first round has included quite the exhilarating matchups. Friday had its ebbs and flows, with some massive blowouts and tightly contested games.
What makes the NCAA Women’s tournament so thrilling is the players who contribute to their respective team’s triumphs. With the first round in the books, these athletes had profound impacts on Friday, launching their squads into the round of 32. From Dawn Staley’s and the Gamecock’s dominance— to Liberty’s narrow miss against Kentucky, it’s been a day!
Every March Madness, I look back at the most impactful players in each round. Let’s discuss.
NCAA Women’s Tournament First Round Standouts
Georgia Amoore: Kentucky, 5’6″ Senior Guard
It wasn’t entirely shocking to see Georgia Amoore transfer to Kentucky after playing four years with the Virginia Hokies. Reunited with head coach Kenny Brooks, Amoore is quite familiar with the tournament scene. Leading the Hokies to four straight NCAA appearances, Amoore has never experienced life past the semifinals. Forgoing the pros, will Amoore cut the net in her fifth year?
Doubts have swirled among the basketball world about whether Amoore is pro-ready. A projected late lottery pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Amoore’s draft capital just skyrocketed.
Nearly blowing a 17 point lead, Kentucky’s 79-78 victory over Liberty was alarming to say the least. Scoring 34 of the Wildcats 79 points, Amoore accounted for 43 percent of Kentucky’s offense. She led the Wildcats on the offensive end, finishing 12-24 (50 %) from the field and 4-5 (80 %) from the charity stripe. Everywhere, her performance was spectacular.
A remarkable performance, Amoore continues to show her value to the Wildcats. Heavily contested or wide open, the Kentucky guard was 6-10 ( 60 %) from the three-point line. Playing a full 40 minutes on the hardwood, Amoore was influential on both sides of the ball. At 5 foot 6, two blocks alone is impressive. Amoore picked the pockets of the Flames, and I’m here for it.
Why Amoore Is Kentucky’s X-Factor In The Tournament
Amoore’s performance against Liberty was striking given the fact her facilitating skills were on full display (8.0 assists), especially in transition.
Despite her size, Amoore is mighty and tough. Scoring 23 points in the first half, Amoore scored the final five points in the last minute to give the Kentucky the lead, despite Emma Hess’s last second three-ball. Recording one block and steal each within five seconds in the fourth quarter, she is crucial to this team’s success.
Kentucky’s top scorer, the Wildcats are 0-6 despite the SEC Quarterfinal, when Amoore scores 20 points or less. Her ability to score and get everyone involved will be vital in the second round against top offensive juggernaut in Kansas State.
Talk about Wildcat on Wildcat crime, Kentucky will need another memorable performance from Amoore. Mind you, Kentucky is no slouch, they average nearly 76 points per game.
Can Georgia Amoore, Kentucky Keep Up With Kansas State’s Potent Offense?
Much to attest, Kansas State is the second best three-point shooting team in the NCAA Women’s tournament (38.8 %). With a crushing 85-41 victory over Fairfield in the first round, the purple and white shot 34-64 (53.1 %) from the floor.
Given Kansas State had four players put up points in double figures, it’s imperative Amoore not only scores, but gets her teammates immersed in the offense. Scoring or assisting on 55 points, Amoore, Clara Strack, and Dazia Lawrence combined for 65 points.
Barely getting by a 13 seed, this should be a defensive showdown between the Kentucky and Kansas State Wildcats. I can’t say it enough, Kentucky will need everything from Amoore considering Kansas State’s amount of depth.
If they advance, Kentucky will inevitably face USC, unless the Trojans completely collapse. Barely scraping buy, how far can Georgia Amoore carry the Wildcats?
Joyce Edwards: South Carolina, 6’3″ Freshman Forward
If you’re weren’t familiar with Joyce Edwards game, you will be now! A freshman for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, Edwards made herself known. Passing her first NCAA Tournament test with flying colors, Edwards had a career performance Friday.
Recording a career-high 22 points in the first round against Tennessee Tech, the narrative surrounded the South Carolina native. Edwards could’ve played anywhere, yet stayed home and laced up for Dawn Staley. This has long been the case for Staley, who has three current players on the roster from the Palmetto State. This is why the Gamecocks depth is truly unmatched.
This is a colossal reason why South Carolina has the deepest, most talent bench in the Women’s NCAA Talent (41.9 PPG). Rather than one star player, Staley’s roster is comprised of several gifted athletes. UConn’s Sarah Strong may be the NPOY, however, Edwards made a study case for herself.
Is Joyce Edwards The NCAAW Freshman NPOY Over Sarah Strong?
In a blistering 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech, Edwards not only scored a career-high in points, she added five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Gamecocks leader in points per game (13.2), Edwards has continued to provide the electric spark off the bench for Staley.
Getting a glimpse of the future, Edwards scored 22 of the bench’s 66 points. With a large margin of victory, Staley was given room to explore lineup variations. It’s important for South Carolina to experiment with player rotations, especially with Edwards.
Scoring six straight in the the first quarter, Edwards ability to ignite the second unit will be imperative for South Carolina.
Not a viable three-point threat, Edwards has developed as one of the best two way players in the NCAA. All SEC First-Team, Edwards handled Texas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt with ease in the SEC Tournament.
Joyce Edwards Shines In First Career NCAA First Round Matchup
Averaging 18 points, 4.3 rebounds, and one steal in the tournament, the Gamecocks will continue to heavily rely on Edwards and a lengthy rotation.
South Carolina showed Tennessee Tech no mercy, however, the task will get harder deeper into the bracket. Set to face No. Indiana in the second round, the Hoosiers routed Utah 76-68. With 13 points off the bench, head coach Teri Moren heavily relies on a limited rotation. In fact, Indiana ranks no. 318 in NCAA Women’s basketball with 12.5 bench points per game.
Making their case for the No.1 overall seed, the Gamecocks are the likely team to conquer Birmingham Region 2. As the tournament progresses, the rotations often shrink. This is what separates South Carolina from the rest
In elite company, how can a freshman carry a team offensively when it has MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin on its roster? This team is absolutely stacked.
The Gamecocks most underrated story is Joyce Edwards, their biggest tone setter on the team.
Ayoka Lee: Kansas State, 6’6″ Senior Center
All eyes laid on Kansas State as senior center Ayoka Lee returned following a month long absence from a foot injury. Last in the head coach Jeff Mitties starting lineup on February 22, Lee showed no signs of distress.
Obliterating Fairfield 85-41 in the first round, Lee delivered an impressive double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds against a stingy Stags defense. Although limited to 15 minutes, the magnitude of Lee’s performance was prolific. To put those kind of numbers up and not to play a lick of the fourth quarter is eye catching.
Easily the tallest player on the court, Lee had a monstrous impact on the Wildcat’s 44-19 dominance on the boards.
Kanas State cruised to a first round triumph, however, the task will get much taller. Set to face Kentucky in the second round, again we are talking Wildcat on Wildcat crime. Given Kentucky is top 50 in rebounding (39.52), the return of Lee will be vital in bypassing Kentucky.
Barely escaping a heart shaker, Kansas State did get rocked on the boards against Liberty, 41-32. Shattered in the paint, it’s quite peculiar given Clara Strack, Teonni Key, and Amelia Hassett makeup a lengthy lineup for Kentucky.
Why Ayoka Lee’s Return Is Crucial For Kansas State
Even so, Lee has the height advantage, but the questions remains how Lee will be integrated back in the starting lineup. With a full bill of health, Mittie will need more than 15 minutes from his starting center.
Bound to be a formidable threat in the post, Kansas State is poised to upset Kentucky, who nearly lost in the first round. If the guards can somehow contain Georgia Amoore, Kentucky is one of the least efficient three-point shooting teams in the NCAA Women’s Tournament (31.7 %).
If the three ball isn’t falling for Kentucky, this is where Lee and Kansas State can control the game. Given Kansas State ranks no. 14 in defensive rebounds (28.8), Lee’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. Barring any setback, Lee singlehandedly can take over a game at any given point. Though, her interior matchup with Clara Strack shall be a rigorous one. Mind you, Strack delivered a dominant 15-point, 10-rebound performance against Liberty.
Even if Kansas State were to advance, they are likely to face USC, who is one of the best rebounding teams in the league (41.8). While Kansas State’s run may likely end at that point, Lee will be a crucial x-factor in the next round of so.
Ayoka Lee made the most of her return, and the Wildcats dominated the mismatch. However, the talent will shift against Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
