Excitement is in the air as the 2023-24 college basketball season is nearing it's tipoff. On Tuesday, ESPN released an article listing the top impact freshman prior to the women's basketball season. Two former New Jersey high school stars were included on the list; Hannah Hidalgo and Zoe Brooks.
2023 Gatorade Player of the Year, Hidalgo, Taking on Big Role
Hidalgo, a 5'6" guard from Haddonfield, New Jersey, starred at Paul VI High School. She is expected to make an immediate impact for the N0. 10 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Hidalgo was the 2023 Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year and No. 5 ranked recruit in the 2023 class according to ESPN HoopGurlz Rankings. This summer, Hidalgo was a key contributor for the gold medal winning U19 USA Women's Basketball Team at the FIBA World Cup in Spain.
In the 2023 McDonald's All-America Games, Hidalgo set a record, scoring 26 points. She also made eight steals in the game, tying that record. She was named Co-MVP. During her high school career which was interrupted by COVID-19, Hidalgo scored 2,135 career points.
Olivia Miles, one of the leaders for Notre Dame, was injured during last year's regular season finale and her return timetable is unknown. Therefore, Hidalgo could step in and play some major minutes for the Irish.
Hidalgo has the type of swagger that college basketball fans will gravitate toward. Know for her high energy, pressure defense, Hidalgo will also push the tempo, running in transition and attack the basket.
Zoe Brooks (Photo credit: Andrew Yates/NC State Athletics)
In a 110-48 exhibition game win over Purdue Northwest on October 30, Hidalgo led the Irish with 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and five steals in just over 25 minutes played. Buckle up Irish fans, you're going to have fun with Hannah Hidalgo!
Brooks: A Do-It-All Guard
Another 2023 McDonald's All-American from New Jersey, Zoe Brooks, has taken her talents to North Carolina State. Brooks was ranked the No. 4 guard and No. 9 overall players in the 2023 class by ESPN after starring at St. John Vianney High School. Brooks was a four-time All-State honoree and was named to the 2023 Naismith Girls' High School All-America Team. She was the 2023 National Player of the Year by SB Live.
The Plainfield, NJ native averaged 22.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.5 steals, and 4.1 assists per game for St. John Vianney as a senior.
Brooks is the type of player that makes everyone around her better. She can run the show from the point guard position, or step out as an off-the-ball guard and score from all three levels. Brooks is expected to see time at both guard positions for NC State coach Wes Moore this season.
Joined by fellow freshman Laci Steele, the duo should provide plenty of scoring for the Wolfpack this season. Brooks looked the part in the Wolfpack's only exhibition, scoring 13 points while dishing out seven assists and four steals. North Carolina State defeated Catawba, 101-58, on Thursday.
- Rutgers Women's Basketball Officially Adds 'Rare Talent' Kiyomi McMiller - April 18, 2024
- Jersey Native Sets ACC Freshman Scoring Record - February 29, 2024
- Rutgers Spring Sports Off To Fast Start - February 12, 2024
