Spokane 1: UCLA’s Path to Glory
The Spokane 1 region is headlined by UCLA, the No. 1 seed, with a path that seems tailor-made for a championship run. The Bruins, led by the dominant 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, are poised to make history. Betts, a force in the paint, is the cornerstone of UCLA’s success, and her all-around game will be crucial in overcoming any challenges. While UCLA’s road to the Final Four appears smooth, there are lingering concerns from last season’s loss to LSU, where the Bruins struggled to utilize Betts effectively. Despite this, Coach Cori Close’s most talented roster yet is expected to break through the Elite Eight barrier and secure UCLA’s first national title. LSU, the No. 3 seed, poses a potential Elite Eight challenge with rebounding phenom Aneesah Morrow, but the Bruins’ depth and Betts’ dominance should give them the edge.
Birmingham 2: South Carolina’s Balanced Pursuit of Greatness
The Birmingham 2 region showcases South Carolina, a team with a stellar resume but a tougher road ahead. Despite playing the toughest schedule and amassing the most Quad 1 wins, the Gamecocks are seeded behind UCLA due to key losses. South Carolina’s depth and fresh legs, with starters averaging just 22 minutes per game, are significant advantages. However, the team lacks the dominant interior presence of Kamilla Cardoso from last season and has regressed in 3-point shooting. A potential Elite Eight rematch with Notre Dame could be their first major test, but until then, the Gamecocks’ balanced attack and defensive prowess should carry them to the Final Four.
Greenville 1: UConn’s Redemption and Notre Dame’s Rebirth
The Greenville 1 region is dominated by UConn, a team looking to reclaim its glory. The Huskies, led by Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, are heavily reliant on their 3-point shooting, which will determine their fate. A Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma and a potential Elite Eight rematch with USC loom large, but UConn’s guard play and home-court advantage make them a formidable force. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, despite a late-season slide, is the most talented Irish squad since their 2018 title run. With the dynamic backcourt of Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame is a dark horse to reach the Final Four, exorcising past demons and proving doubters wrong.
Spokane 2: The Ivy League’s Historic Moment
History was made as Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia became the first trio from the Ivy League to make the NCAA Tournament. This is a testament to the league’s growth and the competitive balance in women’s basketball. Harvard, the reigning Ivy League champions, is poised to make the deepest run, potentially reaching the second round before facing a daunting matchup with NC State’s stellar backcourt. Princeton and Columbia, while unlikely to advance far, have already made their mark by earning tournament berths. The Ivies’ success is a beacon of hope for mid-major conferences, proving that scholarships aren’t the only path to success on the national stage.
Greensboro 1: NC State’s Backcourt Brilliance
NC State’s vaunted backcourt, featuring Saniya Rivers, Aziaha James, and Zoe Brooks, is again leading the charge. However, the absence of a dominant interior presence like River Baldwin from last season’s Final Four run may hinder their progress. A potential Sweet 16 clash with LSU, who outrebounded NC State by a significant margin in their earlier meeting, could be the Wolfpack’s undoing. Despite this, NC State’s guard play and experience make them a threat to reach the Elite Eight once more. Their ability to adapt and overcome will determine if they can replicate last season’s success.
Seattle 4: USC’s Chip on the Shoulder
USC, the No. 4 overall seed, feels disrespected despite earning a No. 1 seed. JuJu Watkins, the nation’s best player, leads a team with a challenging path, including a potential Elite Eight rematch with UConn. The Trojans’ frustration could fuel their tournament run, but they’ll need to navigate a tough bracket. Paige Bueckers and UConn’s sharpshooters stand in their way, but USC’s talent and depth make them a legitimate contender. With Watkins leading the charge, the Trojans are determined to prove doubters wrong and make a deep run.
