Rising Stars: Lawrence and Crooks Lead Women’s Basketball Starting Five
In the fiercely competitive world of women’s basketball, two names have recently risen, captivating fans and critics alike with their exceptional skill and on-court leadership. Dazia Lawrence and Audi Crooks, both heralded for their standout performances, have led their team to numerous victories and earned spots on the prestigious list of top athletes named by NCAA.com.
Their inclusion is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and significant impact on college basketball, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying career.
Audi Crooks, Iowa State
Audi Crooks has been a revelation for Iowa State, shattering records and expectations in her debut season. The 6-3 freshman sensation broke the Cyclones’ all-time freshman points record, a monumental achievement highlighting her instant impact on the team. Crooks’ standout performance came during victories against Houston and BYU, where she demonstrated her scoring prowess and ability to dominate on the boards.
At Houston, she notched her sixth double-double with an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing an incredible 9-of-11 shooting efficiency. Her excellence continued against BYU, where she tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one block, steering Iowa State to a decisive 74-49 victory. Crooks’ historic accomplishment has seen her accumulate 476 points in just 26 games, setting the record for the most made field goals by a freshman with 188.
Leading the charge for Iowa State, Crooks is averaging 18.3 points per game (as of Feb. 28), boasting a Division I freshman-best 58 percent shooting from the floor. In Big 12 play, she’s been even more dominant, averaging 19.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game – the highest by any freshman in the league.
With a record of 17-10 overall and 11-6 in the Big 12, Iowa State looks forward to wrapping up the regular season against Cincinnati on March 2. Crooks’ exceptional performances have made her a standout player for Iowa State and firmly established her among the NCAA Top Bets for collegiate basketball excellence.
Dazia Lawrence, Charlotte
Dazia Lawrence has been a driving force for the Charlotte 49ers, delivering outstanding performances that have led to huge victories over North Texas and Wichita State. Averaging 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists last week, Lawrence demonstrated her versatility and skill, securing wins crucial for the 49ers’ standing in the American Athletic Conference.
In an intense overtime battle against North Texas on Feb. 21, Lawrence scored 26 points, marking a career-high with 28 field goal attempts and sinking four three-pointers in a grueling 43 minutes of play. The victory at North Texas was followed by a dominant 74-48 win over Wichita State at home, where Lawrence once again surpassed the 20-point mark, scoring 22 points along with eight assists and five rebounds.
This performance underlined her importance to the team, especially noting that the 49ers are undefeated in AAC games when Lawrence scores at least 20 points. Currently, the junior guard is averaging 18.5 points per game for the season, which ranks her fourth in the conference and fourth in points per game within conference play, with 20.2 points per game.
Charlotte’s record stands at 17-12 overall and 10-7 in AAC play as they prepare for their next game against Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Florida, on March 3.
