The landscape of women’s college basketball is shifting, and Hannah Hidalgo is at the forefront of that change. As Iowa’s Caitlin Clark prepares to take her elite scoring ability to the WNBA, a new wave of young stars is stepping into the spotlight. Hidalgo has embraced that challenge and thrived under the pressure.
Hannah Hidalgo’s Dominance in College Basketball
Clark’s reign as the most prolific scorer in women’s college basketball has been nothing short of legendary. She led the nation in scoring during the 2023-24 season and had been the top scorer in three of the last four years. But with Clark’s departure, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be the next great offensive powerhouse? Enter Hidalgo.
The sophomore sensation has been a driving force behind No. 2 Notre Dame’s (22-2, 13-0 ACC) impressive run in conference play. The Merchantville, N.J., native has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 25.2 points per game.
HANNAH HIDALGO TODAY 🔥
• 24 POINTS
• 8 ASSISTS
• 6 REBOUNDS
• 5 STEALSNOTRE DAME WINS ☘️ pic.twitter.com/VPAXRVwcqK
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) November 23, 2024
That makes her the second-leading scorer in college basketball, just behind ACC rival and Florida State standout Ta’Niya Latson. With her relentless scoring ability, quick decision-making, and defensive prowess, Hidalgo has positioned herself as one of the most dynamic two-way players in the country.
Hidalgo’s ability to take over games and impact both ends of the court has propelled Notre Dame into championship contention. Whether she’s weaving through defenders for an acrobatic layup or disrupting an opponent’s offense with her aggressive defense, she has become the heart and soul of the Fighting Irish.
Her leadership and fiery competitive spirit have been instrumental in Notre Dame’s unbeaten start in ACC play, proving she is far more than just a high-volume scorer.
A Historic Season for Hidalgo
Hidalgo’s dominance this season has not gone unnoticed. The Notre Dame sophomore was named the ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, a rare and prestigious double honor that speaks volumes about her all-around excellence.
“She always plays with a chip on her shoulder,” Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey said. “She always wears her heart on her sleeves. She has that passion, that energy, and the love and joy for the game. She’s a big-time, big-stage player. She’s just different.”
The 5-foot-6 guard has led the No. 6 Fighting Irish to a 25-4 overall record heading into ACC Tournament play. With a 16-2 mark in conference play, Notre Dame shared the regular-season title with North Carolina State.
Hidalgo’s season averages of 24.2 points and 3.7 steals per game place her among the nation’s best, ranking third and fourth nationally in those respective categories. She became the first Notre Dame women’s player to win ACC Player of the Year and just the third player in conference history to sweep both the POY and DPOY awards in the same season.
Beyond the accolades, Hidalgo has rewritten the Notre Dame record books. She set a sophomore program record with 100 steals this season, adding to her already impressive list of accomplishments. She also became the only player in Notre Dame history to score 600 points in both her freshman and sophomore seasons.
With 47 career games scoring at least 20 points and nine performances with 30 or more, she is quickly climbing the program’s all-time leaderboard.
What’s Next for Hidalgo?
Hidalgo’s dominance has not just been limited to the scoring column. The New Jersey native has also proven to be a reliable playmaker and rebounder, averaging 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes her an invaluable asset to Notre Dame’s championship aspirations.
With her electric style of play and a growing list of accolades, Hidalgo is not only carrying the torch left by Clark but is also carving out her legacy.
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She was named a finalist for the prestigious Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard, a testament to her status among the game’s elite.
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