All articles tagged with #freshman
Keaton Wagler, a formerly underrecruited freshman for Illinois, exploded for 46 points to power No. 11 Illinois past No. 4 Purdue 88-82, delivering one of the most memorable freshman performances in recent college basketball.
True freshman linebacker Samuel Lateju impressed Wisconsin fans with his size and strength in photos next to J.J. Watt, indicating he's working hard in the offseason and could be a key player in the future.
Duke freshman guard Jared McCain has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after a standout season with the Blue Devils, where he made a significant impact both offensively and defensively. McCain, Duke's top recruit in the 2023 class, is the first Blue Devil to declare for the draft and is projected as a likely first-round pick.
USC freshman JuJu Watkins, an AP first-team All-American, had a standout season, setting records and leading her team to the Elite Eight. Despite the loss, she expressed gratitude for her teammates and excitement for the next season. Watkins, a high-profile freshman, has made a mark both on and off the court, and is motivated to improve and build on her success in the coming years.
Ohio State freshman Devin Royal's standout performance against Michigan State, including a crucial in-bounds play and strong offensive contributions, played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes' upset win. Despite a slow start to his collegiate career, Royal's recent performances indicate his potential as a key player for Ohio State in the future, earning praise from interim coach Jake Diebler and showing promising statistics.
The 12th-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team defeated Ohio State 4-2 in Columbus, with freshmen players leading the offensive charge. Tyler Duke, returning to Columbus, contributed three points, while freshman forward Garrett Schifsky scored two goals. Despite being outshot, Michigan's strong third-period effort and goaltender Jake Barczewski's 37 saves secured the critical win, with the rivals set to face off again the following day.
No. 25 Oregon State women’s basketball team dominated No. 16 Utah with a 91-66 victory, showcasing a spectacular performance in Gill Coliseum, led by freshman Donovyn Hunter's standout play.
Indiana freshman Mackenzie Mgbako showed significant growth in a frustrating road loss against No. 10 Illinois, finishing with his first double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the team's struggles, Mgbako's defensive effort and offensive contributions demonstrated his progress from earlier in the season. Coach Mike Woodson praised Mgbako's work ethic and improvement, highlighting his transformation from a struggling player to a crucial asset on the court. Despite Indiana's recent adversity, Mgbako's development and consistent scoring have been a bright spot for the team, offering hope for the future.
The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers bounced back from a disappointing loss with a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. Freshman goalie William Gramme made his first career start and recorded a 25-save shutout. The Badgers scored three goals in the second period, including two from freshman William Whitelaw, to secure the win. With the victory, Wisconsin improved to 10-4 on the season and will face the Ohio State Buckeyes in their next series.
The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team has added six players to their 2024 signing class, including top-ranked setter Charlie Fuerbringer, decorated multi-sport athlete Trinity Shadd-Ceres, middle blocker Antonina Serafinowska from Poland, libero/defensive specialists Maile Chan and Lola Schumacher, and in-state setter Morgan Van Wie. Head coach Kelly Sheffield is excited about the versatility and potential of these players, who will join the team next fall.
Freshman forward Coen Carr could see an increased role for Michigan State basketball following his impressive performance in the team's season-opening loss to James Madison. Carr was praised by coach Tom Izzo for his passion and ability to create high-percentage shots near the rim. He finished with 14 points and six rebounds, standing out among the struggling Spartans. Izzo hinted at potential lineup changes and expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the team's freshmen. Carr's strong debut could earn him a spot in the starting lineup and a larger role moving forward.
Auburn freshman center Connor Lew is preparing for his likely first college start after stepping in for an injured teammate during Auburn's recent game against Ole Miss. Despite being a freshman, Lew has impressed his coaches and teammates with his maturity and readiness for the moment. He has been praised for his physicality and quick adjustment to the speed of college football. While Auburn will miss the experience of their injured starting center, Lew is expected to step up and make a significant impact in his potential first collegiate start against Mississippi State.
Liberty University freshman offensive lineman Tajh Boyd has passed away at the age of 19, with no details regarding the cause of death released. The university's head coach and athletic director expressed their condolences and highlighted Boyd's impact on the football program. The Liberty University community, including teammates, friends, and the athletics department, mourns the loss and seeks comfort during this difficult time. Conference USA, which recently welcomed Liberty into the conference, also extended their sympathies. Boyd, a three-star recruit, had led his high school team to consecutive state championships.
Hudson Hart, a freshman pitcher from Gretna, is the only freshman on the Oral Roberts University baseball team and has made an appearance at the 2023 Men's College World Series. Hart has been attending the CWS since he was a baby and is grateful for the opportunity to play on the field. Although he has not yet pitched during the CWS, he is ready whenever his name is called.
Freshman Gavin Turley hit two home runs and drove in five runs as the 10th-ranked Oregon State baseball team beat the Western Carolina Catamounts 23-5. Turley has been on a hot streak lately, batting .360 with five homers, 15 RBIs, and nine runs scored over seven games. After a slump earlier in the season, Turley simplified his approach and has been a force in recent games. The Beavers fell one homer shy of the school’s single-game record and boosted their school-record season total to 77.