Shining Stars: Five Women's Basketball Players Make Their Mark

Jan 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM

This week, five outstanding women’s basketball players have been recognized for their exceptional performances. Madison Booker of Texas, Jordyn Jenkins of UTSA, Molly Kaiser of New Mexico State, JJ Quinerly of West Virginia, and T’yana Todd of Boston College each delivered remarkable contributions on the court. These athletes have not only propelled their teams to significant victories but also set personal milestones. From scoring records to game-winning plays, these players are leading the charge in collegiate basketball.

Madison Booker Leads Texas to Historic Wins

In a series of impressive displays, sophomore forward Madison Booker from Texas University showcased her prowess during two crucial games. On January 16, Booker scored 22 points against Auburn, helping her team secure a 74-57 victory. Just a few days later, she led the Longhorns with an astounding 28-point performance in a 89-51 triumph over Maryland at the Coretta Scott King Classic in Newark, New Jersey. This win marked Texas’s largest margin of victory over a top 10 team in program history. Booker’s consistent scoring—averaging 25 points per game this week—highlighted her role as a key player for the Longhorns, who will face Tennessee on January 23.

Jordyn Jenkins Powers UTSA’s Winning Streak

Senior forward Jordyn Jenkins of UTSA has been instrumental in extending the Roadrunners’ winning streak to nine games, the longest since the 2008-09 season. Her performances against Memphis and UAB were nothing short of heroic. In the comeback victory over Memphis on January 15, Jenkins contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, sealing the deal with clutch free throws. Three days later, she dominated again with 21 points and nine rebounds against UAB. For the week, Jenkins averaged 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in the American Athletic Conference. UTSA returns home to host Tulsa on January 22.

Molly Kaiser Shines for New Mexico State

Graduate senior guard Molly Kaiser of New Mexico State put on a scoring spectacle, totaling 59 points across two games. Against Florida International on January 16, Kaiser led the Aggies with 28 points, including a perfect record from the free-throw line. Despite a narrow loss to Liberty on January 19, Kaiser remained unstoppable, racking up 31 points. She now ranks eighth nationally in scoring, averaging 22.1 points per game. The Aggies, with a record of 10-8 overall and 3-2 in conference play, head to Kennesaw State on January 23, where Kaiser will look to continue her stellar form.

JJ Quinerly Elevates West Virginia’s Success

Junior guard JJ Quinerly of West Virginia played a pivotal role in securing two consecutive Big 12 Conference wins. In a commanding 73-46 victory over Colorado on January 17, Quinerly scored 19 points and recorded six steals. She followed this with another 20-point performance in an 82-68 win over Iowa State on January 19. Quinerly’s efforts pushed her to eighth place on the all-time scoring list with 1,679 points. The Mountaineers, boasting a 15-3 overall record and 5-3 in conference play, travel to Arizona this week for matches against Arizona State and Arizona.

T’yana Todd Lights Up Boston College’s Season

Junior guard T’yana Todd of Boston College has been a standout performer, particularly in recent ACC games. Against Miami (FL) on January 16, Todd broke records by scoring 29 points, including eight 3-pointers, tying a single-game Boston College record. She then maintained her hot hand with 16 points in a dominant 92-51 win over Syracuse on January 22. Todd’s accuracy from beyond the arc—50% through 20 games—positions her among the nation’s top shooters. Boston College, with a 12-8 overall record and 3-4 in ACC play, prepares to host Notre Dame on January 23.

These five players exemplify the dedication and skill required to excel in collegiate basketball. Their achievements not only highlight individual talent but also underscore the importance of teamwork and resilience. As they continue to make waves in their respective conferences, fans and observers alike can expect more thrilling performances from these rising stars.