Young Freshman Stars Who Command the Finals Spotlight

In this article, we take a look at the freshmen who have played key roles in their team's journey to the Final Four. The list includes everything from starting point guards carrying major responsibility, to highly impactful role players with one main assignment, to young contributors who may not yet be stars — but have delivered meaningful minutes when called upon. These freshmen have already been impactful and proven they belong on this stage. They are poised to continue doing what has gotten them to this point this season - impact the game and impact the outcome.        [player_tooltip player_id='400816' first='Leila' last='Bryant'] is one of the highest-ranked freshmen in the tournament — and it shows every time she steps on the floor. She plays lightyears ahead of her age. As a ninth grader entrusted with running a team, Bryant dictates the tempo with composure and confidence. She can shoot from deep, penetrate off the bounce, and consistently makes smart decisions with the ball in her hands. What stands out most is her command — she doesn't just play, she controls the tempo. Bryant's ability to shoulder responsibility at such a young age while maintaining efficiency and composure marks her as one of the elite young players in the entire field. The freshman averaged nearly 19 points per game and has the ability to double that output in a final four format.     [player_tooltip player_id='1261851' first='Shea' last='Donovan']'s athleticism immediately jumps off the page. Explosive with a quick first step, she puts pressure on defenses by attacking the rim while also showing the ability to knock down perimeter shots at a respectable rate. She's a strong facilitator who takes care of the basketball and doesn't force action. Her competitiveness fuels her impact.  Defensively, she brings quickness and applies pressure on the ball, but it's her burst and decision-making that separate her from her peers. Donovan's athleticism and control allow her to create for herself and be a playmaker - a rare balance for a freshman.     [player_tooltip player_id='1671725' first='Khloe' last='Small'] is an athletic force whose ceiling appears incredibly high. Naturally a wing, she's shown the versatility to play multiple frontcourt roles- even the 5 against Bolles and [player_tooltip player_id='751625' first='Terrell' last='McCoy']. While she projects as a three — and could slide to the two — Small has had to defend the "bigs" a time or two. Her physicality, fluidity, and motor stand out.  She runs the floor well, finishes reliably around the basket, and contributes in transition. Small will play a "big" role in the final 4, and she has shown all season that she is built for it - a rare trait for a freshman.     [player_tooltip player_id='1276121' first='Moriah' last='Walker'] is a slasher who can get downhill and attack the basket. She is a versatile player able to play the guard position and forward position with good length and height. Walker has the ability to take over a game in stretches and projects to be a major force as her game matures and she becomes more aggressive on the offensive end. Walker comes into the final four averaging 8.3 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, and can even block a shot or two in the flow of the game. Walker is active as this freshman is an X-Factor in the playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='738515' first='Kylee' last='Trent'] is a three-way player who impacts the game in a lot of ways: scoring, defending, and as a playmaker. Trent averages nearly 9 points per game and was efficient, making 89 of 173 shot attempts ( 51 % ). She was also a playmaker on offense and defense- averaging 3.2 and 2.4 steals per game. Trent is part of a backcourt that wreaks havoc with their press and tough man-to-man defense. Trent flourishes in this style of play. On offense, Trent has good length, can handle the rock, and can cross up defenders with her ability to change pace and change directions. Trent has the ability to go off inthefinals - a feat not many freshmen are capable of.     [player_tooltip player_id='1249017' first='Angelina' last='Laudicina'] brings high IQ and a versatile skillset to the final 4. Laudicina is a confident shooter who can knock down the three off the catch or off the dribble. Her step back three-point shot is a weapon that the young baller has in her tool box. Her instincts stand out and one play comes to mind - a tipped rebound and pass to a teammate for an assist- all in one motion.  That play showcased Laudicina's advanced feel for the game at such a young age. With length, versatility, and a strong foundation already in place — and major offers arriving even before her freshman season — Laudicina projects to be a major prospect in the future. She also projects to be an X-Factor in the 3A Final Four this week.     [player_tooltip player_id='1266904' first='Dailin' last='Delgado'] comes into the final 4 averaging nearly 10 points per game and is a baller. Delgado is quick, has good handles and is a playmaker. She impacts the game in all three phases. In transition, she is a player who has good court vision and can pass the rock. On defense, she plays tough on the ball and is aggressive and competitive. On offense, she can drive and attack - and is dangerously effective. She will be a freshman to watch in the final 4.

In this article, we take a look at the freshmen who have played key roles in their team's journey to the Final Four. The list includes everything from starting point guards carrying major responsibility, to highly impactful role players with one main assignment, to young contributors who may not yet be stars — but have delivered meaningful minutes when called upon. These freshmen have already been impactful and proven they belong on this stage. They are poised to continue doing what has gotten them to this point this season - impact the game and impact the outcome.