Princeton women’s basketball fans have something to smile about this holiday season. The Tigers (10–1 overall, 0–0 Ivy League) made it to the 25th spot of the AP Top 25 in the latest poll released on Monday, marking their first ranking since Feb. 19.
This is Princeton’s first AP ranking appearance this season, coming after the team was considered the number one mid-major program by College Insider for the past three weeks.
This season, the Tigers are on a tear, losing only to No. 7 Maryland when they faced the Terrapins away at College Park in the third game of their season. They have won all eight games since, mostly recently taking down Rutgers at home 81–63.
So what has brought the team to this point just before Ivy League play starts? It all begins with the efforts of the “four-eyed monster” of junior starters that have anchored the squad this season.
Junior guard Fadima Tall has been named USBWA’s National Player of the Week twice already this season. The most recent recognition was one of this week’s accolades for Princeton. To receive the award, Tall reached a new career high with a 28-point performance against the Scarlet Knights, along with five steals, four rebounds, and three assists on the day as well.
The next junior: Skye Belker. Belker got off to a tough start in the beginning of the season, only scoring five points in the season opener against Georgia Tech, which Princeton pushed through to win 67–61. Belker has since found her footing, recently scoring 26 points against Seton Hall. Belker has also made multiple game-deciding threes this season. She’s a clutch veteran starter that the Tigers can lean on when it matters most.
Junior point guard Ashley Chea commands the Tigers on the floor. Her passing is impeccable, garnering her national attention for her highlight dishes. Perhaps Chea’s best highlight thus far was her no-look pass to fellow junior guard Olivia Hutcherson in the game against Seton Hall. It was SportsCenter’s third-ranked pick for that day’s Top Ten Plays.
Lastly among the juniors, Hutcherson’s help has connected the team. In the 70–58 win against Belmont, she matched her personal record in scoring 19 points, all while collecting a new personal best 11 boards for the Tigers. Hutcherson has been a rebounding machine this season, averaging about six per game.
The only starting senior, guard Madison St. Rose, has also played a huge role in the team’s success. In the Princeton line up, she is the glue that supports her fellow junior starters. In her comeback season from a brutal ACL tear last year, St. Rose has already recorded two double-doubles this season.
The Tigers will face off against George Mason on Saturday away in Fairfax, Va. If they keep up their level of play once Ivy League conference games begin, they should have no problem reaching the postseason and will likely be the favorites to win the conference title.
Emilia Reay is a staff Sports writer for the ‘Prince’ and the Spanish Language Pilot Program Director.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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