Notre Dame 2024-25 Season

[DallasDomer]

Mid-Season Appreciation: Hannah Hidalgo

This post might appear to be redundant, but after seeing a tidbit here, a boxscore and stat sheet there and watching the games and replays, I feel inclined to give (even more) kudos to sophomore Hannah Hidalgo of Note Dame. She is having a remarkable season on all fronts: statistically, strategically and entertainally (even if there is no such word).

To wit:
- As noted in the attached tweet above, she is the first Irish player since Jewell Loyd to go for two 30-pt. games in a row.
Importantly for the Irish, both came on the road against rivals who very much had reasons to be up for the Irish. HH helped foil both teams' efforts.

Against Louisville, she shot 12-22 from the field and 8-8 from the FT line, along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals and gosh knows how many disruptions that led to turnovers or lousy possessions/rushed shots by Louisville.

- This performance, while slightly higher in points scored, is right in line with her season averages. As noted on television and elsewhere, this game was her fourth 30-point game of the season. To average 26 points a game and only score 30+ four times demonstrates remarkable consistency.
That helps the Irish overall knowing what HH is going to produce, game after game.

Overall, she's averaging 26.1 ppg, shooting just about 50% on the nose (175-349 overall) and 43% from three (45-106, one more attempt than Olivia Miles). She goes to the line a lot: 117 times. Luckily, she's drained 100 of them (86%), a very important source of points.
She and Olivia are both averaging 5.9 rebounds per game, with Sonia Citron at 5.3 rpg, so the guards wipe the boards. She has the second most assists on the team (72) and the most steals (75)...by far.

- Her intensity and ability to get going hard is a strategic advantage for Notre Dame, both at the start of the game and at any point during it.

I keep getting back to the words of the excellent ESPN commentator, Andraya Carter. Upon hearing Hannah say ND had to weather "the punch," Carter turned it around, saying "most teams have to weather Hannah Hidalgo---she's ND's punch." Carter noted most teams cannot simulate Hidalgo's intensity and speed in practice and she can blitz people early and often before they know what hit them. Schematic advantage -- just because of HH -- ND.

She can suddenly just turn it on. Against Louisville, what was that crazy 2nd half stat: she scored or assisted on 27 of ND's 29 points? She basically just escalated her already intense efforts, making them more efficient and, in effect, ended the game.

- She's a student of the game. Who can forget her jumping up and down on the sideline telling Cass Prosper to get the ball to Maddy Westbeld who had a size advantage over Curry? Prosper couldn't do it so threw a skip pass to Hannah, who dribbled into the lane to hit a shot-clock beating jumper. Hidalgo is a gifted individual who fits well into a team scheme.

- I really can't recall a player who does all this so consistently and it bewilders many that she's just 5'6" tall...which most die-hard fans don't even think about anymore. She truly loves the game and her team. There are not a lot of players that show their emotions like Hannah, but her enthusiasm is mostly a positive energy force for Irish teammates and fans.

- Lastly, a lot of talk recently about the value of Coach Ivey running set plays vs. an ISOapproach. In actuality, I think it's a bit more accurate to refer to what Coach Niele ivy instills as read and react, which incorporates ISO, pick and rolls/pops, etc.
For Hannah viewers, it's watch and react. And most of the times, it's with a smile.

I just have to repeat that she's 5'6" and does all of this rebounding, shooting, steals... I still don't understand how she does half of what she does but keep it up!

 

[cancontent]

I just have to repeat that she's 5'6" and does all of this rebounding, shooting, steals... I still don't understand how she does half of what she does but keep it up!

Don't question or try to analyze. Just enjoy it all while she's wearing ND colours.

 

[DallasDomer]

I was not clear enough. There are the ratings. there are hundreds of thousands of factors that go into the daily generated computer ratings. .lIt’s a whole lot of data - that changes ever day, The ratings are derived from an algorithm that is programmed to weigh many different considerations in formulaic way. They are weighted in the algorithm objectively. Why was Notre dame behind Texas and UConn? There can be many reasons. Because you lost to lower ranked Utah and TCU. Margin of victory. Comparison of your opponents to theirs. Etc etc the objective element

When I spoke of “factors,”I was speaking of a more finite set of factors that the committee can use at the end of the day for ranking teams into the final seed. These can be used subjectively or ignored and can allow for much deviation from the NET rating established by the algorithm’s ratings

A simpler question, maybe. If you beat a team that is within the quad 1 range but a few weeks later that team falls below quad 1 do you still have a quad 1 win?

Or the reverse if a team you beat was below q1 but later moves up do you add a q1 win?

I expect the answer is the result is based on whatever the rating was at the time of the game but I can't find it specified anywhere.

Thanks again for trying to educate me.

 

[DallasDomer]

A simpler question, maybe. If you beat a team that is within the quad 1 range but a few weeks later that team falls below quad 1 do you still have a quad 1 win?

Or the reverse if a team you beat was below q1 but later moves up do you add a q1 win?

I expect the answer is the result is based on whatever the rating was at the time of the game but I can't find it specified anywhere.

Thanks again for trying to educate me.

I asked Warren Nolan (of NET Ranking - Women's College Basketball | WarrenNolan.com) similar questions and he provided these which are similar to what you said:
The internal formula is kept secret by the NCAA. We fundamentally know how it works, but can't deconstruct it or duplicate it.

Keep in mind the purpose of the NET is to provide an 'acceptable' ranking of the teams, but what really matters to the selection committee is the overall resume (team sheet). Winning against quality teams especially on the road and minimizing loses to teams under 100 is what they are looking for.

It is disappointing that we cannot get the formula/method of the NET rankings to have deeper insights and analysis of what is going on internally.

This is the team sheet he's referencing for ND:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish NET - Nitty Gritty Report & Team Sheet 2025 Women's College Basketball | WarrenNolan.com

NET - Nitty Gritty Report & Team Sheet for Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2025 Women's College Basketball. This Is a Duplication of the report used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to Determine At-Large Teams in the national championship tournament with quadrants

www.warrennolan.com

 

[Dillon77]

Emma Risch Out for Year with Injury To Same Hip That Forced Her Out Last Season

MSN

Sophomore guard Emma Risch has been ruled out for the year by Notre Dame Head Coach Niele Ivey, who cited an injury to the same hip that kept the sharp-shooting guard from Florida our last season. Risch, who didn't accompany the Irish on any of the team's road games against Boston College, Va. Tech and Louisville, did come to the game against Stanford at home last night, using crutches to get to/from the bench.

Long-time Irish fans remember former Irish guard Madison Cable having trouble with her feet that kept her off the court for the better part of her first few seasons at ND, before blossoming her last two years. The hope is that Risch and her hip issues can be dealt with in a similar manner. Rish will join center Kylee Watson and guard KK Bransford, who are both sitting out this year due to injuries and are expected back in 2025-26.

For now, this reduces the Irish bench to three players: guard/wing Cass Prosper, forward Liza Karlen and center Kate Koval.

 

[Audi1954]

Don't question or try to analyze. Just enjoy it all while she's wearing ND colours.

Castle! One of my all time favorites!

 

[Frankus]

A couple of very impressive wins vs Stanford and Cal. Lots of good ball movement, team defense and transition offense. Prosper and Koval look to be developing. If they are seamless, dependable on offense/defense subs in an 8 player rotation, we will be that much better.

I liked how HH, who struggled with her shot vs Cal, didn't force things and stayed within the game flow. OM really helps her with this.

 

[visitingcock]

A couple of very impressive wins vs Stanford and Cal.

Might be overstating your case a bit

 

[Dillon77]

Might be overstating your case a bit

How so? I'm not challenging (ignore that Golden Dome to the left). I'm interested in what you think was "overstated."

• Cal is a ranked team and the Irish just got up to 5th gear in the second period and ran away with it.
• A Stanford team that was within two possessions of Louisville until the last 90 seconds got whacked by nearly 50 points.

 

[DallasDomer]

Yahoo sports says ND has moved up to #2 in the AP poll. UConn fell to #7.

No. 2 Notre Dame women have best ranking in 6 years behind UCLA, South Carolina drops to 4th

Notre Dame moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday for the Irish's best ranking since 2019. The Fighting Irish replaced South Carolina in the second spot behind UCLA after the Gamecocks lost 66-62 to Texas over the weekend. It is Notre Dame’s best ranking...

sports.yahoo.com

 

[DallasDomer]

Yahoo sports says ND has moved up to #2 in the AP poll. UConn fell to #7.

No. 2 Notre Dame women have best ranking in 6 years behind UCLA, South Carolina drops to 4th

Notre Dame moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday for the Irish's best ranking since 2019. The Fighting Irish replaced South Carolina in the second spot behind UCLA after the Gamecocks lost 66-62 to Texas over the weekend. It is Notre Dame’s best ranking...

sports.yahoo.com

I thought I was getting he first report but it's showing up everywhere now. Here's the full list.

AP Top 25 Women's College Basketball Poll

The official page for the AP Top 25 women's college basketball poll. Keep up to date and view the latest NCAA women's basketball ranking updates each week for the 2025-26 season.

apnews.com

 

[Dillon77]

Yahoo sports says ND has moved up to #2 in the AP poll. UConn fell to #7.

No. 2 Notre Dame women have best ranking in 6 years behind UCLA, South Carolina drops to 4th

Notre Dame moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday for the Irish's best ranking since 2019. The Fighting Irish replaced South Carolina in the second spot behind UCLA after the Gamecocks lost 66-62 to Texas over the weekend. It is Notre Dame’s best ranking...

sports.yahoo.com

First time in six years -- since 2019 -- the Irish have been ranked this high.
That was the team of Ogunbowale/Mabrey/Young/shepard/Turner that got to the national championship game.

 

[visitingcock]

How so? I'm not challenging (ignore that Golden Dome to the left). I'm interested in what you think was "overstated."

• Cal is a ranked team and the Irish just got up to 5th gear in the second period and ran away with it.
• A Stanford team that was within two possessions of Louisville until the last 90 seconds got whacked by nearly 50 points.

The now-missing post I was responding to used superlative statements regarding those two teams that were unwarranted that treated them like contenders, they are not, Stanford may not even make the tournament. Cal will probably end up borderline

They were average P-4 wins. One okay (barely Quad 1), one a bit below average (quad 2))

 

[Dillon77]

The now-missing post I was responding to used superlative statements regarding those two teams that were unwarranted that treated them like contenders, they are not, Stanford may not even make the tournament. Cal will probably end up borderline

They were average P-4 wins. One okay (barely Quad 1), one a bit below average (quad 2))

Thanks for the explanation regarding your reply.

From a tourney perspective I can see your point. But I don't rate games merely by what they're going to theoretically "get" for them in the postseason. To quote that noted Hoops Honcho, Hamlet: The play's the thing! (Which is where I come from as a guy who still plays regularly and coached for years.) ND was on cylinders this extended weekend and, if you are an Irish fan, it was a joy to behold.

"Barely" Quad 1 or Quad 2, I really don't care at this point. But that's the joy of this board: you can view it from one perspective and I can from another. May the twain sometimes meet.

 

[DallasDomer]

Thanks for the explanation regarding your reply.

From a tourney perspective I can see your point. But I don't rate games merely by what they're going to theoretically "get" for them in the postseason. To quote that noted Hoops Honcho, Hamlet: The play's the thing! (Which is where I come from as a guy who still plays regularly and coached for years.) ND was on cylinders this extended weekend and, if you are an Irish fan, it was a joy to behold.

"Barely" Quad 1 or Quad 2, I really don't care at this point. But that's the joy of this board: you can view it from one perspective and I can from another. May the twain sometimes meet.

It seems when SC beats Wofford (Massey #165) by 93-47 that's a great win but when anyone beats Stanford (#43) by 49 or Cal (#34) by 39 it's just another run of the mill meaningless win. Or maybe Texas 66 SC 62 along with Texas having lost to ND by 10 in OT might have spread some negativity through the basketball world? I'm just guessing but perhaps the joy will return at a later date. :-D

 

[visitingcock]

It seems when SC beats Wofford (Massey #165) by 93-47 that's a great win but when anyone beats Stanford (#43) by 49 or Cal (#34) by 39 it's just another run of the mill meaningless win. Or maybe Texas 66 SC 62 along with Texas having lost to ND by 10 in OT might have spread some negativity through the basketball world? I'm just guessing but perhaps the joy will return at a later date. :-D

It seem???

Who has EVER claimed that South Carolina beating Wofford is a great win? Name one poster! Wofford was scheduled for political reasons

What gets talked about are the ten Quad one wins. Few teams have even played ten quad 1 teams. SCar has played 12. ( to be honest though, ND played a good schedule. )

 

[DallasDomer]

It seem???

Who has EVER claimed that South Carolina beating Wofford is a great win? Name one poster! Wofford was scheduled for political reasons

What gets talked about are the ten Quad one wins. Few teams have even played ten quad 1 teams. SCar has played 12. ( to be honest though, ND played a good schedule. )

I was attempting to discuss how perceptions of wins can change after losses with Dillon77. You're welcome to chime in but understand that I was pointing out that all 50 ish point wins are not perceived the same for many reasons.

I will add that I wish the NCAA would release or clarify the NET algorithm I'd be more comfortable discussing quad wins. Warren Nolan publishes very detailed information about NET but admits he can't figure out the algorithm and hates the secrecy.

NET Ranking - Women's College Basketball | WarrenNolan.com

2025 Women's College Basketball NET Ranking: NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) a ranking of teams based on five factors, team value index, net efficiency, winning percentage, adjusted winning percentage, and scoring margin.

www.warrennolan.com

 

[visitingcock]

Yes. Tj

I was attempting to discuss how perceptions of wins can change after losses with Dillon77. You're welcome to chime in but understand that I was pointing out that all 50 ish point wins are not perceived the same for many reasons.

I will add that I wish the NCAA would release or clarify the NET algorithm I'd be more comfortable discussing quad wins. Warren Nolan publishes very detailed information about NET but admits he can't figure out the algorithm and hates the secrecy.

NET Ranking - Women's College Basketball | WarrenNolan.com

2025 Women's College Basketball NET Ranking: NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) a ranking of teams based on five factors, team value index, net efficiency, winning percentage, adjusted winning percentage, and scoring margin.

www.warrennolan.com

Yes, the NET algorithm needs more clarity. I cannot see ( for example) how UConn can be ranked above Notre Dame and U$C. Or SCar above UCLA

Thankfully, the Quads will be used to correct errors this year. Unfortunately we don’t know exactly how it will be used. In order to keep myself as objective as possible I use a personally created scoring system for close call - and these top four teams are VERY Close.

In my system, an undefeated team, if any, with the most quad one wins is number one.

Second . As score is assigned to the remaining teams. For each quad one victory a team receives two points. For each quad one loss, a point is subtracted. For each quad two victory a team receives one point. For each quad two loss two points are subtracted. Quad 3/4 wins get no points added for wins, but three or four points respectively are subtracted for losses in those quads.

The results are:; at this time;

1. UCLA no losses 19 points

2. SCar 21 points
3. Texas 20 points
4. Notre Dame 16 points
5. LSU 14 points
6. U$C 13 points

8, UConn, Duke, Kentucky tied at 7th with 8 points each

 

[Dillon77]

ND Defeats Pitt on Road, 88-57

Despite a sub-par shooting night, from Hannah Hidalgo (3-17), ND scored 49 points in the first half behind the near-perfect shooting of Sonia Citron and Oliva Miles.

Miles tied the school record for made three's (8-13} en route to a 28-pt. night, while also dishing 5 assists and grabbing 7 boards.
Citron scored 22 on 8-9 shooting (4-5 from three and the miss rimmed out), while grabbing 10 rebounds.
Hidalgo had 5 assists while still causing havoc defensively, notching 7 steals.

Khadija Faye, the Texas transfer, led Pitt with 23 points (10-21 from the field) and 16 rebounds. She's tough and could get a shot in the W at the power forward position. Absolute pro-ready body and not scared to use it.

The Irish return home to face Duke on Monday at 6 p.m. in an ESPN game.

p.s. The other person that made 8 threes is not named McBride, Mabrey or Ogunbowale, but is Sheila McMillan, who did so in the lates 1990's.

 

[DallasDomer]

ND Defeats Pitt on Road, 88-57

Despite a sub-par shooting night, from Hannah Hidalgo (3-17), ND scored 49 points in the first half behind the near-perfect shooting of Sonia Citron and Oliva Miles.

Miles tied the school record for made three's (8-13} en route to a 28-pt. night, while also dishing 5 assists and grabbing 7 boards.
Citron scored 22 on 8-9 shooting (4-5 from three and the miss rimmed out), while grabbing 10 rebounds.
Hidalgo had 5 assists while still causing havoc defensively, notching 7 steals.

Khadija Faye, the Texas transfer, led Pitt with 23 points (10-21 from the field) and 16 rebounds. She's tough and could get a shot in the W at the power forward position. Absolute pro-ready body and not scared to use it.

The Irish return home to face Duke on Monday at 6 p.m. in an ESPN game.

p.s. The other person that made 8 threes is not named McBride, Mabrey or Ogunbowale, but is Sheila McMillan, who did so in the lates 1990's.

Hidalgo only had 11 and Notre still scored 88 points and won by 31, this is an awesome scoring team because Westbeld ran afoul of the refs and barely played.

On the threes record I would have guessed Alicia Ratay and been laughed out of here. Apologies to Sheila McMillen for forgetting her performance in February 1998.

 

[Dillon77]

Hidalgo only had 11 and Notre still scored 88 points and won by 31, this is an awesome scoring team because Westbeld ran afoul of the refs and barely played.

On the threes record I would have guessed Alicia Ratay and been laughed out of here. Apologies to Sheila McMillen for forgetting her performance in February 1998.

Somebody in "Romper Room" (the in-house ND chat room for McGraws Bench) noted that with this crew of refs, it was good ND had three bigs because -- at one point -- they all had three fouls. Otherwise, Cass Prosper would've been center!
For ND, 8 active players is a lot!

 

[DallasDomer]

Somebody in "Romper Room" (the in-house ND chat room for McGraws Bench) noted that with this crew of refs, it was good ND had three bigs because -- at one point -- they all had three fouls. Otherwise, Cass Prosper would've been center!
For ND, 8 active players is a lot!

If you compare what Pitt's Khadija Faye was doing (for example Westbeld's bloody nose) with what any of Koval, Karlen, or Westbeld were doing and getting fouls called it did not appear equitable all the time. I guess this is an example of home cooking. Does ND get the benefit too? If so I haven't noticed it but I could be wrong, am I?

 

[cancontent]

Courtesy of the Las Vegas Aces social media team

 

[Reypl21]

If you compare what Pitt's Khadija Faye was doing (for example Westbeld's bloody nose) with what any of Koval, Karlen, or Westbeld were doing and getting fouls called it did not appear equitable all the time. I guess this is an example of home cooking. Does ND get the benefit too? If so I haven't noticed it but I could be wrong, am I?

Faye was really good yesterday. She was getting our bigs in foul trouble. I hope Kate can be that physical post up presence next year

 

[Dillon77]

View attachment 107000

Courtesy of the Las Vegas Aces social media team

You go, Jackie!

 

[Frankus]

The Pitt game was good evidence that our best scorer can have an off night, yet we have other scorers who can pick up the slack. Olivia and Sonia were superb.

I thought it was interesting that when Pitt cut the lead to 13, and Nielle called time out, she designed a play for Liatu to score. It worked.

There was another good out of bounds play where the ball was inbounded to Kate
at the elbow, who passed to Karlen at the other side of the elbow, as Hannah set a pick baseline for Sonia who caught the pass from Karlen for an easy score. Just perfect execution.

Bring on Duke. Gonna see it live, which will be fun. Weather permitting, I'm hoping for a big crowd

 

[triaddukefan]

 

[DallasDomer]

So you'll be waiting in the parking lot? Might be a little cold, you should buy a ticket.

 

[Dillon77]

Some morning-after thoughts on the Duke-ND game:
As is my wont, I like to stare at the stat sheet, look at the pressers to compare against whatever lingering ideas from a game are in my head. Here goes:

- A few might recall that recruiting for Duke guard/forward Jadyn Donovan pretty much came down to ND and Duke, with Donovan citing Coach Lawson as a main reason for choosing Duke. The sophomore reminds me a lot of Liatu King, but kind of in reverse role: she's 6'0" tall and could/should(?) be a guard, but really plays like a forward. Both are superb rebounders and disruptors in the paint. While King usually scores, Donovan tends to shine on defense....last night she had 4 blocks: very long arms and good timing will do that. She can't shoot worth a lick outside of the foul line, which she very much needs to work on, but you can see the value she brings to a pretty small Duke team.

- Toby Fournier, Duke's leading scorer and rebounder played 19 minutes, but I thought the Irish would've seen more of her. Maybe Lawson felt she was getting outhustled/muscled on the boards by King and Koval.

- Had to laugh at -- and admire -- Coach Lawson's attention to detail in the post-game presser. She knew what Irish player was all-conference and their specific year of eligibility. She then weaved that into why the Irish are so tough to guard when some "lead dog" knows what to do, even if they are the 4th or 5th option. Witness Liza Karlen's only basket of the game: a three-pointer to beat the shot clock and effectively close the door on the game.

- Save for rushing some bunnies and an ill-advised lefty hook in her first of two playing stints, one could see exactly why 6'5" Kate Koval helps -- and will really help the Irish in years to come -- the Irish. She helped clog the middle and keep Dookies from driving. Then she went ballistic in the third with 4 offensive rebounds and two excellent baskets. If she just keeps working out and doing the reps and she'll be a monster to other teams.

Lastly, two quick thoughts on #11.

- During in-game commentary, many of us were hoping to get the ball to Soni via back door cuts or finding her in open areas. Liza did that with a great pass to a cutting Soni from the top of the keyl
But what I really liked is when Coach Ivey did the equivalent of what lacrosse guys/gals call inverts. Soni, who usually sets up on the arc by the baseline, came around to pick up the ball and either use a high screen and/or penetrate for a drive or mid-range. Good imagination to get her freed up.

- You can see what Coach Ivey is offering so many 6'1" all-round guards who are athletic and have three-level games (Abii, Bjorn, etc.). They help teams so much. But do they have Citron's attitude and, dare I say, heart? That's a major differentiator.

 

[Frankus]

It was a loud, raucous crowd last night at the Purcell Pavillion. The first half was close due to some fine guard play by Taina Mair, who scored 11 of Duke's 27 points, and lots of missed layup and some sloppy passing by the Irish. Maddy had a nice outside shooting half, but every time we seemed to get some momentum a sloppy play, or missed layup occurred in our half court game. Hannah continued to struggle with her ouside shot despite good looks. More than a few times she looked down at her right hand. I don't know if she's nursing an injury or what.

At half, I thought we couldn't have played worse and they couldn't have shot better. The beginnng of the second half proved me right as we had a 17-1 run all based on transition play. The crowd was wild, and I was surprised Lawson didn't call a second timeout today to stop our run. Hannah was all over Mair in the second half and wore her out. It cannot be understated how quick and disruptive she is defensively.

Fournier had her way offensively with Maddy, but Kate came in and intimidated her with her size, while hitting the layups she missed in the first half and being a force on the offensive boards. It was the most dominant she's looked overall as a big that we so badly need.

Everyone else contributed in different ways: Olivia leading the break on the 17-1 run, Sonia being solid all game long shooting, rebounding and running on the break, Liatu doing her Dennis Rodman hustle thing despite not scoring much, Cassandra adding valuable bench minutes on the O boards and defensively and Liza hitting the 3 to put the game away.

I'm still concerned about the fact that neither Karlen or Maddy are much of a force inside. Both can hit the 3 though. Maddy is still struggling to score when she gets inside. Hopefully she can improve down the stretch. Her outside shot is fine. Hannah's outside shot woes is a mystery, but she's a dog going to the basket, and did not force her outside shot at the expense of the team.

I'm not sure if that was a second tier officiating crew, but they were awful.