Fast forward to January 14th and the highly anticipated rematch at Galen Center where UCLA, still ranked #2, boasted an impressive 14-0 record and the #9 ranked USC stood at 12-1, their only loss coming from the Bruins. Despite a late scratch to the Trojans' lineup with Riyah Marshall (illness), USC displayed unwavering determination. Electric freshman guard Juju Watkins and the Trojans' defense, fueled by their previous loss, held the Bruins to 65 points and nearly out-rebounded them (34-33). Watkins gave her all, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, solidifying her front-runner status for Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. The Bruins struggled throughout the game, facing foul troubles and resulting in three starters exiting the game early. USC triumphed, ending UCLA's unbeaten record with a 73-65 victory and marking the first time in four years that USC defeated UCLA.

The rivalry's intensity is fueled by passionate fans, breaking attendance records for both teams. UCLA broke records with 13,659 attendees on December 30th, while USC surpassed there record with 10,657 in attendance during the recent game.

Recruiting is deep

Recruiting plays a crucial role in the competitiveness of this match-up and the game is in good hands. Both teams have players who consistently produce on the court and showcase exciting and tough abilities in clutch moments.

UCLA had the number 1 recruiting classes in 2022: Kiki Rice (Hoopgurlz No.2), Gabriela Jaquez (Hoopgurlz No. 19), Londynn Jones (Hoopgurlz No.22), Christeen Iwuala (Hoopgurlz No.49 ) all while adding transfer Lauren Betts this season who was the number 1 player in the class of 22. UCLA will bring in another top 5 recruiting class in 2024: Kendall Dudley (Hoopgurlz No.14) Avary Cain (Hoopgurlz No.24), Zania Socka-Ngueman (Hoopgurlz No. 27) and Elina Aarnisalo (Hoopgurlz NR).

USC has been working as well, securing the top player in the class of '23, Juju Watkins (Hoopgurls No. 1), as well adding another top guard, Malia Samuels (Hoopgurlz no.49). Since Lindsay Gottlieb's hiring in 2021, the rebuilding has seen a top recruit each year.

2024 will bring in arguably USC’s top class in Coach Gottlieb's tenure: Kennedy Smith (Hoopgurlz No. 6), Avery Howell (Hoopgurlz no.23), Kayleigh Hackell (Hoopgurlz no.28), Vivian Iwuchukwu (Hoopgurlz no.47), Rian Fosetler (Hoopgurlz no.53), Laura Williams (Hoopgurlz no.89).

The future of the Battle of LA

Get your popcorn ready! The cross town rivals finish 1-1 in their 2023-24 regular season matchups and both teams being ranked in the top 10 could be the start to a show down that may lead to more spectacular games. Both teams will be moving to the Big10 come fall 2024, but be on the look out for these two schools the rest of this season as we may even get to see a Pac12 tournament showdown out of them. Who knows! My only suggestion is when these two teams do match up buy your tickets early and continue to tune in!

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Without hesitation, we acknowledge that there have been some outstanding classes in years past. One of the standout classes in recent memory is the 2020 class. Highlighted by prominent names like Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Cameron Brink (Stanford), and Angel Reese (LSU). These players have already made a significant impact in their NCAA careers, further solidifying the reputation of the 2020 class in collegiate basketball history.

Who are the newcomers?

Freshmen are stealing the show. The season has kicked off with dazzling performances from the top two high school recruits. USC's Juju Watkins and LSU's Mikaylah Williams, both living up to their pre-season rankings.

Watkins (Ranked 1 by Hoopgurlz) has set the court ablaze with an impressive five 30-point games, securing her position as the second-highest scorer in the NCAA, averaging 27.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Williams (Ranked 2 Hoopgurlz) left a corner stone early in the season with a remarkable 42-point game. Her seamless transition to college court has started with an average 18.2 points per game contributing to an already deep LSU team.

The athleticism and poise of this young group does not stop there. Another standout is Milaysia Fulwiley (Ranked 13 by HoopGurlz) from South Carolina. Fulwiley's on-court artistry has captured the attention of fans nationwide, with a particular play on opening night in Paris that left basketball legends like Kevin Durant and Magic Johnson in awe.

On the other side of the court in Paris was Hannah Hildago (Ranked 13th by Hoopgurlz) of Notre Dame University. She has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Over eight games, she has showcased an impressive offensive game, averaging 23.6 points. Her defensive side has been the most impressive, leading the country with an average of 6.1 steals per game, according to NCAA.com

More Freshman Mentions

• Taliah Scott (Ranked 11 by Hoopgurlz) of the University of Arkansas earned her fourth consecutive SEC Freshman of the Week honors. The conference announced on Tuesday. She is averaging 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
• Zoe Brooks (Ranked 9 by HoopGurlz) of North Carolina State University recorded a triple-double on Sunday, December 10th the second in school history, in a win.
• Audi Crooks (Ranked 57 by HoopGurlz) of Iowa State is leading her team in scoring with 16.1 points per game.
• Kailey Woolston (Not Ranked by HoopGurlz) of BYU is currently second on the team in scoring at 15.1 points per game, and she’s shooting 54.24% from 3-point range, which currently ranks in the NCAA (per NCAA.com).
• Madison Booker (Ranked 12th by HoopGurlz) of Texas, Booker proved a pivotal role in the upset win over UConn on December 3rd. Where she contributed 20 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Recognizing that not every freshman is taking the statistical lead for their teams is important. It will be a game of growth and patience things take time. Ranked or un-ranked these women are creating more moments and journeys for fans to follow. The list of these freshman could go on and on. The potential impact of these emerging talents in the game will continue to arise.

As the season progresses, it will likely uncover more names, including ones we have not even mentioned. While the debate for Freshman of the Year conversation is on going. Witness the brilliance of the hoops played so far and the unfolding suspense in the rest of the season.

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