The Underrated Brilliance of Mid-Major Basketball
Amidst the constant buzz and glamour surrounding the major conferences in women’s college basketball, the mid-majors often produce incredible talent that captivates audiences on a national scale. The players listed above, without doubt, fall into that category. As we inch closer to the upcoming season, the excitement is palpable among fans, especially those cheering for mid-major teams. These are programs that, while they may not always enjoy the limelight, possess undeniable talent that can turn heads and make headlines.
Let’s consider the trajectory of mid-major players in recent history. They’ve often been the dark horses, the surprises, and the upsets in many tournaments. Teams prepare for them, analysts study them, and scouts are always on the lookout for such talents that often exceed expectations. Hofschild, Prohaska, Young, Merriweather, and Puisis aren’t just the future of their respective teams; they are emblematic of the growing prowess of mid-major basketball. They represent the promise and potential that lies outside of the so-called “powerhouse” conferences.
Furthermore, the stories of these athletes serve as motivation for countless young girls who dream of playing college basketball. Their journeys underscore that stars can emerge from any team, any conference, and any background. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on these remarkable women to see how they elevate their game and their teams.
Top Five Mid-Major WBB Players for 2023-24
Here are five women’s basketball mid-major players to keep an eye on for the upcoming 2023-24 season. All five of the below student-athletes spent last season with the team noted and are poised for breakout seasons.
1. McKenna Hofschild: The Driving Force of Colorado State
Defending Mountain West Player of the Year McKenna Hofschild returns for one last go-round for Colorado State, much to the chagrin of the Rams’ conference foes. Hofschild wrestled the conference award away from UNLV’s roster of stars, despite UNLV finishing their conference season unblemished (18-0) and winning the conference tournament. Hofschild, standing just 5’2’’, averaged over 37 minutes per game and 20.6 points per game, both stats good for top 25 in the country. If time of possession were something kept for the ball being in one individual’s hand, Hofschild would be near the top of that list too. She is the heart, soul, engine and any other analogous noun for the 20-win Rams looking to challenge UNLV for conference supremacy.
2. Abby Prohaska: From Notre Dame to SDSU’s Breakout Star
Former McDonald’s All-American and Notre Dame standout Abby Prohaska enters her second season with the Aztecs. In her first campaign, Prohaska played an important role off the bench for San Diego State with 7.5 points per game. Her first campaign with SDSU also marked the program’s best season since 2012-13; the Aztecs finished 23-11 and 12-6 in the Mountain West. San Diego State lost four starters to either graduation or the transfer portal (point guard Asia Avinger is now at the helm for Georgia), returning only 27% of its scoring from last year. Expect Prohaska to have a big breakout season as she and fellow transfers Adryana Quezada (Utah State) and Jada Lewis (Portland State) take over the reins.
3. Katelyn Young: The National Spotlight Awaits at Murray State
The Racers flashed moments of brilliance last season, including a win at Kentucky during which Young recorded 14 points and seven rebounds. On the season, the 6’1’’ senior averaged 21.4 points per game and nearly eight rebounds per contest. Her scoring average was good enough for 10th in the nation, and she is the top returning mid-major scorer in the country. Look for Young to help the Racers improve upon their 15 win mark and compete for OVC conference player of the year.
4. Emma Merriweather: A Journey to Stardom at ULM
ULM’s Emma Merriweather finished 15th in the country in rebounding in her first season with the Warhawks. The well-traveled Merriweather has spent time at Long Beach State, Texas Tech, Kansas and Cal State Northridge – but seems to have found a home for her last two seasons in Monroe.
The 6’5’’ post player tallied 11.1 points per game to go along with her 11.2 rebounds per contest, all while shooting 55% from the field. First year head coach Missy Bilderback gets a full off-season with Merriweather to go along with transfers Sania Wells (Auburn), Jakayla Johnson (Auburn), Daisha Bradford (Clemson), Brianna Harris (Troy), Kyjai Miles (Central Arkansas) and former Mississippi player of the year Dee Haymer (South Alabama).
5. Sammie Puisis: USF’s Next Big Thing in WBB
South Florida – In her first season with the Bulls, Puisis was named the American Athletic Conference’s Newcomer of the Year and also nabbed a spot on the AAC’s Second Team All-Conference. Puisis, who transferred in from Florida State, was the team’s third leading scorer at 15.5 points per game but is the top returning scorer for South Florida who are a mid-major in name only. South Florida has made eight of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments and dominated the AAC with a 15-1 mark (27-7 overall). With the departures of AAC Co-Players of the Year Elena Tsineke and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, expect Puisis to have another breakout season for the Bulls and contend for conference player of the year.