Predicting 5 breakout stars for March Madness, including Iowa's Lucy Olsen

The women's NCAA tournament and the sneaky good hoopers are here.

March is when some of the best players in the country all push for a chance to win a national championship and light it up on college basketball's biggest stage. On the women's side, many people know the more prominent names like UConn's Paige Bueckers or USC's JuJu Watkins.

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However, some other players deserve more shine and are primed to have breakout March Madness runs. Let's look at who could add to their already stellar seasons by displaying their top-tier talent in front of the country.

Here are five predictions for players who could be breakout stars during March Madness:

1. Lucy Olsen, Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Lucy Olsen (33) brings the ball up the court Friday, March 7, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

When former Iowa star Caitlin Clark left for the WNBA, the questions began about who could fill her shoes. Truthfully, the answer is no one could ― Clark is in a league of her own ― but that's okay. Iowa didn't need someone to be Clark; they just needed a leader who they believed in.

Enter Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, who is making her own lane at Iowa. Following her lead, the Hawkeyes are going dancing, and they have a good chance to be bracket-busters because Olsen is a stone-cold baller. She's terrific in the mid-range, often unleashing her signature jumper at just the right moment. Olsen's 12 games of 20 points or more this season indicate that she can explode anytime ― ask the USC Trojans. Olsen had a 28-point day against USC in an Iowa upset win earlier this season.

2. Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

Some players have the star factor early on, and Vanderbilt freshman Mikayla Blakes is that girl. The dynamic guard broke multiple Division I freshman scoring records this season, including her own, with a 55-point outing against Auburn.

She's utterly fearless in the face of competition and isn't afraid to get downhill to the basket quickly or drain a shot from anywhere on the court. If there is anyone who could break out a 50-burger (or more) at any time, it's Blakes.

Opponents, beware. Mikayla Blakes is nice like that.

3. Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State

Mar 7, 2025; Greensboro, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) sets the play during the third quarter against North Carolina Tar Heels at First Horizon Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Who leads the nation in scoring? Florida State guard Ta'Niya Latson.

At nearly 25 points a game, Latson is the life and soul of her team. She can score at will, which should terrify anyone on the other side. If you're looking for an indication that she can hang with the big dawgs during March Madness, Florida State's 86-81 win over Notre Dame is a good start, along with her 14 games of 25 points of more this season. Simply put, Ta'Niya Latson is a walking bucket.

4. Audi Crooks, Iowa State

Iowa State center Audi Crooks shoots a free throw against Baylor at T-Mobile Center on March 7, 2025.

Iowa State center Audi Crooks was a 2024 March Madness breakout star, and I predict she will do it again. She'll have to create most of the scoring for her team during this year's NCAA tournament. Despite having a ticket to the Big Dance, Iowa State hasn't had the season they hoped for.

Still, I fully expect that Crooks will leave it all out on the court. Her impeccable mid-range game is her bread and butter, and it's a significant reason why she has seven 30-point outings this season.

5. Oluchi Okananwa, Duke Blue Devils

Mar 9, 2025; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Oluchi Okananwa (5) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against NC State Wolfpack at First Horizon Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Here's a deep sleeper on the March Madness breakout stars list: guard Oluchi Okananwa of Duke.

Okananwa had multiple standout performances during the ACC tournament that helped the Blue Devils secure a conference title, including 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal on 61 percent shooting against top-10-ranked NC State. WHEW.

Her sensational tournament run earned her ACC MVP honors and makes her a prime candidate to continue the trend during Duke's NCAA tournament push.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Predicting March Madness breakout stars for women's NCAA tournament

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