Ranked in the top 25 and considered # 2 mid major
2. South Dakota (11-1)
Now 4-0 against the major conferences after recent wins against Ohio State and Creighton, South Dakota saved the biggest test for last, with Sunday's trip to South Carolina (SEC Network, noon ET). The Coyotes are second in the nation in 3-point accuracy and third in 3-pointers made. South Carolina's first six opponents shot 19.2% from long range, but the Gamecocks' past five opponents shot 40%. Previous ranking: 3
Who are the leading candidates for mid-major player of the year?
Ciara Duffy, South Dakota: A year after Macy Miller wrapped up her career at South Dakota State, the state is still home to the best the mid-major ranks have to offer. Duffy leads Summit League players in assists and ranks third in scoring and 12th in rebounding. Oh, yes, she's also averaging more than two 3-pointers per game at a 54% clip, the third-best accuracy in the nation. She accumulated those numbers against a more demanding schedule than those of most of the teams in the conference. With lines such as Duffy's in a win against Ohio State (22 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists), the 6-foot guard plays a hard-to-define and harder-to-defend game similar to that of Oregon State's Mikayla Pivec, who is vying for national player of the year.
2. South Dakota (11-1)
Now 4-0 against the major conferences after recent wins against Ohio State and Creighton, South Dakota saved the biggest test for last, with Sunday's trip to South Carolina (SEC Network, noon ET). The Coyotes are second in the nation in 3-point accuracy and third in 3-pointers made. South Carolina's first six opponents shot 19.2% from long range, but the Gamecocks' past five opponents shot 40%. Previous ranking: 3
Who are the leading candidates for mid-major player of the year?
Ciara Duffy, South Dakota: A year after Macy Miller wrapped up her career at South Dakota State, the state is still home to the best the mid-major ranks have to offer. Duffy leads Summit League players in assists and ranks third in scoring and 12th in rebounding. Oh, yes, she's also averaging more than two 3-pointers per game at a 54% clip, the third-best accuracy in the nation. She accumulated those numbers against a more demanding schedule than those of most of the teams in the conference. With lines such as Duffy's in a win against Ohio State (22 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists), the 6-foot guard plays a hard-to-define and harder-to-defend game similar to that of Oregon State's Mikayla Pivec, who is vying for national player of the year.
