As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament heads into the Sweet 16, excitement continues to build. Fans have been treated to a display of elite talent, with players delivering standout performances that could carry their teams deep into the tournament.
Here are the top players making headlines during March Madness, along with a look at their stats and impact on the court.
Ranking the Sweet 16’s Top Players to Watch
1) Paige Bueckers, Guard, UConn
Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers continues to be the heart of the UConn Huskies. The 6-footer averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. In UConn’s second-round matchup against South Dakota State, Bueckers guided the Huskies to a 91-57 win with 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
2) Hannah Hidalgo, Guard, Notre Dame
At just 5’6″, sophomore Hannah Hidalgo has emerged as a key playmaker for Notre Dame. She averaged 24.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and led the nation in steals.
In a second-round win over Michigan, Hidalgo scored 26 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and swiped 4 steals, helping the Irish advance with a 76-55 win.
3) Lauren Betts, Center, UCLA
Lauren Betts, a 6’7″ sophomore, has been a dominant inside presence for UCLA. She averaged 19.6 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting 63.4% from the field.
In the second round against Richmond, Betts powered her way to 25 points and 12 rebounds in an 84-67 victory.
4) Madison Booker, Forward, Texas
At 6’1″, sophomore forward Madison Booker has played a key role in Texas’ success. She averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, and improved her three-point shooting to 43.9% this season.
In the Longhorns’ second-round win over Illinois, Booker added 18 points and seven boards to lead a 65-48 effort.
5) Flau’jae Johnson, Guard, LSU
Flau’jae Johnson’s scoring ability has been a major asset for LSU. In the second-round matchup against Florida State, she poured in 28 points along with five rebounds and three assists, leading the Tigers to a dominant 101-71 win.
6) Hailey Van Lith, Guard, TCU
Hailey Van Lith helped lead TCU to its first-ever Sweet 16 appearance, making headlines in the process. Facing her former team, Louisville, Van Lith dropped 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in an 85-70 second-round win.
7) Aneesah Morrow, Forward, LSU
Aneesah Morrow has added versatility and depth to LSU’s frontcourt. In the Tigers’ win over Florida State, she posted 18 points and nine rebounds, complementing Johnson’s big game in the 101-71 win.
Honorable Mention: JuJu Watkins, Guard, USC
JuJu Watkins, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, had been a dominant force for the USC Trojans. Throughout the season, she averaged 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Her prowess on defense was equally impressive, with 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. In the second-round victory over Mississippi State, Watkins showcased her versatility. She did it by contributing 28 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, propelling USC to a commanding 96-59 win.
However, after suffering a torn ACL in the team’s Round of 32 matchup, Watkins will miss the remainder of the team’s tournament run. She would have ranked No. 1 on this list.
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These players have electrified March Madness with their skill, intensity, and poise. As the tournament progresses, they’ll continue to be at the center of the action — and likely, the spotlight.
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