Checking in on the women's basketball NPOY race

The race for National Player of the Year is on and there are several players in the running. Here are On3’s front runners for NPOY honors in women’s basketball.

1. Hannah Hidalgo – Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo is part of a tight race for NPOY honors, but On3 has her ranked at No. 1 for now. 

She’s averaging 26.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.1 steals for the No. 3 team in the country, while shooting 50% from the field and 43% from deep. She’s had massive performances against No. 5 Texas, No. 6 UConn, No. 7 USC, No. 8 TCU and No. 14 North Carolina. 

Her versatility, intensity and high-level outings against top teams make her the current front runner for National Player of the Year honors. 

2. Lauren Betts – UCLA

Lauren Betts is one of two post players on this list, and she’s earned the spot. She’s been a major contributor for UCLA, the only remaining undefeated team. 

Betts is averaging 20.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 blocks while shooting 64% from the field. Even among increased post depth in Timea Gardiner and Janiah Barker, Betts is dominant. 

She’s had major performances against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 9 Ohio State, No. 15 Maryland, Louisville, Nebraska and Indiana. 

3. Ta’Niya Latson – Florida State

It’s not often that the country’s leading scorer is underrated and rarely talked about on a national scale, but that seems to be the case for Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson. She hasn’t accumulated quite the same caliber of resume this year, but the 5-foot-8 junior guard is a game-changer. 

Latson is averaging 26.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals for the Top-25 Seminoles, while shooting 48% from the field and 44% from deep. She’s had major performances against No. 14 UNC and No. 16 Tennessee. 

4. JuJu Watkins – USC

JuJu Watkins, the other sophomore sensation, has continued her dominance this season for a top-ranked USC squad in a new conference. 

Watkins is averaging 24.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks. Her efficiency and turnover rate have improved from her rookie campaign but still leave room for growth. Regardless, she’s one of the biggest names in the sport and one of the most dynamic players in the country. She’s put up big numbers against No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 6 UConn and No. 15 Maryland this year. While Hidalgo leads, USC’s potential Big Ten resume leaves plenty of opportunity for Watkins to earn NPOY honors.

5. Aneesah Morrow – LSU

Aneesah Morrow is the lone new addition to this list after dominating competition thus far. LSU is ranked No. 5 in the country on On3’s Top 25 and Morrow can be credited with much of the team’s success.

She’s averaging 18.6 points, 14.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 52% from the field. She leads the country in rebounds per game and leads nationally with 21 double-doubles in 24 games. Morrow has had significant performances against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 11 Oklahoma, No. 16 Tennessee and No. 19 NC State.