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Good Morning! ☕️
Selection Sunday is this weekend, when the NCAA Division I tournament bracket is revealed and March Madness officially begins. When we see you next on Monday, we’ll know exactly who’s in and whose season is over.
Until then, here are a few stories to take into the weekend.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Mid-Major Player & Coach of the Year Finalists Announced ⭐
Her Hoop Stats revealed the finalists for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award and the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, highlighting some of the best performers and programs outside the Power 4 conferences.
👉 See the finalists for Mid-Major Player of the Year and Mid-Major Coach of the Year
WHY IT MATTERS: These awards recognize the players and coaches delivering outstanding seasons at programs that often have fewer resources and far less national attention.
Two programs that stand out this year come from the Summit League. North Dakota State (28-4) and South Dakota State (27-6) met in the conference championship last weekend, with South Dakota State coming out on top. They are also the only two programs with both a Player of the Year finalist and a Coach of the Year finalist.
2. Team USA Doubles Down This Weekend 🇺🇸
Two different Team USA squads are in action this weekend. The senior national team continues play in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, with games scheduled Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday.
At the same time, the USA 3x3 team tips off the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup in Bangkok. The U.S. opens the tournament today at 10:20 AM ET against Madagascar. (USA Basketball)
📺 Watch the World Cup Qualifying games on truTV or HBO Max
💻 Stream the 3×3 Champions Cup on YouTube
WHY IT MATTERS: With uncertainty still surrounding the upcoming WNBA season, international events like these give us a chance to keep watching elite players compete. You get two very different versions of the game too. The traditional five-on-five format and the fast, physical 3x3 style will both be on display all weekend.
3. Flau’jae Johnson Honored with New Kay Yow Award ❤️
LSU star Flau’jae Johnson has been named the inaugural Kay Yow Servant Leader of the Year by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The award recognizes student-athletes who show leadership, service, and commitment to fighting cancer. (Tigerbait)
WHY IT MATTERS: The award carries the legacy of Hall of Fame coach Kay Yow, who spent much of her career raising awareness and support for cancer research and care. Johnson earned the honor for using her platform to support families and help fund mobile mammography efforts. The recognition also includes a grant that expands cancer care access for under-resourced women in Louisiana.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Warm-up Dance: The NAIA post season tournament tips off today, with Dordt, Freed-Hardeman, Bethel, and Marian earning No. 1 seeds.
Power Forward Watch: Toby Fournier, Khamil Pierre, Maggie Doogan, Joyce Edwards, and Sarah Strong were named finalists for the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if you’ve watched more college basketball this season, 90% of you said yes. Good work, everybody!
