Stuelke
IOWA VS Uconn
The highly anticipated women’s basketball showdown dubbed “Caitlin versus Paige” saw an unexpected star take center stage. Iowa sophomore Hannah Stuelke rose to the occasion with a star-making performance.
Standing tall at six feet two inches, Hannah Stuelke has provided Iowa with flashes of brilliance all season long alongside the steady production of teammates Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall. However, it is Hannah Stuelke who remains capable of erupting for unexpected offensive outbursts as evidenced by her 47-point explosion against Penn State. On nights when she is in a zone, Iowa appears almost undefeatable.
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While Clark and UConn phenom Paige Bueckers struggled to find their usual offensive rhythm, Stuelke caught fire for a game-high 23 points to power Iowa to a thrilling 71-69 victory over the powerhouse Huskies, owners of 11 national championships. With aggressive drives and confident shots, Stuelke single-handedly fueled a comeback in the third quarter, pouring in 11 points to erase a 12-point deficit and forge a 51-51 tie entering the final pivotal frame.
“While I cannot say with certainty how I will approach every contest, reflecting on yesterday’s loss, I feel a shift is needed if we hope to triumph over South Carolina on the morrow,” Stuelke stated ponderously in the late hours of Saturday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, scarcely a day prior to the impending showdown with the Gamecocks. “Perhaps I would be wise to embody that mindset which empowers success consistently, rather than sporadically. At times, a fiery resolve seems to overtake me, transporting my spirit to a place of true competitiveness.”
What a thoughtful declaration. Undoubtedly, it is a mindset the Iowa coaching staff and players will seek to ignite on Sunday.
When informed of Stuelke’s remarks, Martin beamed with delight.
“More than anything, this is truly a test of Hannah’s mental fortitude,” Martin asserted, reaffirming her aspiration to become a coach in the future (and in that moment, she spoke with the utmost sagacity and insight). “I have unwavering faith in her abilities. In my view, she is unquestionably one of the premier players in the country. However, she must first believe this within herself. Hearing this gives me great hope. I am confident that tomorrow she will emerge with fierce determination and performance.”
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As Martin hinted, there is no stage bigger than the national championship game for Stuelke to showcase her growth against the lone undefeated team remaining. The top ranked Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks, who dispatched all challengers en route to a perfect season, will battle at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday with the Division I title on the line.
Led by the dominant force that is Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina has plowed through opponents with ease all winter. The 6-foot-7 Brazilian bombarded N.C. State for 22 points and 11 boards in just over half the game during the semifinals, underscoring her importance to the team’s dynamism. Iowa will have their work cut out containing the versatile post who fuels the nation’s most complete roster.
While Reese proved formidable in the Elite Eight, Stuelke gained valuable experience battling one elite post player that should aid her against another tonight. Though shorter than Cardoso, Hannah Stuelke’s defensive prowess will be pivotal if the Hawkeyes hope to advance. Fouls hampered her impact versus LSU, but she’s determined not to be limited this time around.
“There’s no doubt Cardoso presents a unique challenge,” reflected Stuelke. “She’s incredibly skilled and it will take everything I have to contain her. But I relish the opportunity to take on such a talented opponent. If I can hold my own in the paint and our team works together on the boards, I believe we can prevail.”
However, as South Carolina prepares for their matchup with Iowa, Coach Dawn Staley recognizes that containing Hannah Stuelke will be crucial. Stuelke’s versatility presents a challenging obstacle for the Gamecocks to overcome.
“Hannah Stuelke is someone we must focus on stopping,” Staley said. “We have to win that individual battle. She has the ability to shift the momentum of the game in an instant. Our length will be important, making her work to score through multiple defenders. But she relishes that type of challenge.
“Conversely, we aim to use our depth in the post to wear her down on defense. Stuelke will have to guard several of our players one-on-one, each with their own strengths. Athletes like Ashlyn Watkins, who pulled down 20 rebounds against NC State, will test her in different ways.”
Watkins’ dominant performance on the glass highlights how South Carolina intends to utilize their varied skillsets inside. Meanwhile, Coach Bluder continues pushing Stuelke to reach her full potential. “Keep rising to the occasion, Hannah,” Bluder said. “You’ve seen what you can accomplish. The challenges will only become greater from here. We believe you’re ready for anything.”
Hawkeyes recovering to prepare for final
Stuelke anxiously awaited the results of his random drug test, recalling how his teammate Martin had been in a similar situation last season after a momentous victory over South Carolina. Tossing and turning into the early hours of the morning, sleep eluded him as his mind replayed the dramatic win and everything riding on a clean test. Affolter later admitted to her teammates that she too barely slept, the adrenaline from defeating mighty UConn refusing to subside even long after the final buzzer. When asked at the press conference how much rest she had managed to grab, the Iowa coach responded wryly that it had been “enough” to get her through another grueling day preparing for their next challenge.
While fatigue may play a role in Sunday’s championship matchup, the Hawkeyes will rely on grit and determination to overcome any soreness from their long semifinal battle. Five Iowa starters logged at least 37 grueling minutes against UConn in a game that dragged late into the night. Starters Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano, and Kate Martin pushed through 39 tough minutes, their resilience tested to the limits. Meanwhile, South Carolina saw no player utilize over 29 minutes in their blowout win over NC State, the Gamecocks pulling away decisively in the third quarter.
Beyond fatigue, injuries are a concern for Iowa following their hard-fought victory. Clark appeared to twist an ankle on a spectacular four-point play in the second half. A blow to the nose sent Martin to the sidelines for medical attention, though thankfully nothing was broken. Affolter and Marshall crashed to the floor on multiple occasions, with Marshall hobbling at times down the stretch.
“It was incredibly physical out there,” recalled Affolter. “I think the officials let both teams battle it out.”
A year ago against LSU, Iowa struggled to rebound from their late Friday night semifinal, falling 102-85 in the title tilt as the Tigers dominated the second quarter. Facing a quick turnaround once more on Sunday afternoon, the Hawkeyes will draw from that experience as they pursuit the program’s first national championship.
While Coach Bluder believes the Hawkeyes have matured since their earlier matchup, recovery remains a work in progress. “Scouting reports only provide so much insight until tested on the court,” she said. “Our focus must be on versatile play instead of overreliance on preconceived notions, as adaptability wins victories.”
A new game plan against Gamecocks
Speaking of scouting reports, Jenni Fitzgerald’s analysis of South Carolina from years past remains quite useful. As a longtime aide to Lisa Bluder and now in a special assisting role, Fitzgerald’s expertise proved prescient when she profiled the Gamecocks prior. While daring South Carolina to fire away from deep, Iowa attempted to stifle their interior game. That strategy yielded the lone blemish on the Gamecocks’ stretching streak of victories.
However, relying on antiquated assessments will not do in 2023. This new South Carolina squad boasts an even more potent perimeter attack, draining over a third of their attempts from beyond the arc. Their proficiency from long range comfortably outpaces even top-ranked Iowa, who leisurely averages over 90 points per contest themselves. Fitzgerald’s former report may offer some hints, but the Hawkeyes will need to devise modern solutions to match this revamped Gamecock offense.
Their shooting accuracy has enhanced tremendously since our previous encounter,” Martin muttered in dismay. “Stationing numerous defenders in the painted area would be utter folly at this juncture.”
Bluder labeled the South Carolina squad as the most formidably skilled women’s basketball team we’ve witnessed thus far. Iowa’s associate head coach Jan Jensen, who is perpetually optimistic regardless of circumstance, comprehends the monumental challenge before them. South Carolina has been dubbed rather significant favorites by oddsmakers.
“We shall combat gallantly and seize this opportunity to shock the world,” Jensen proclaimed passionately. “Coach Fitz yet again has formulated an artful game plan after meticulously scrutinizing their performances all season long. We shall endeavor to faithfully implement our strategy. They must endure an uncharacteristically cold spell from the field. Meanwhile we must encounter a streak of red-hot marksmanship. But as they say, in this realm of March Madness, all it takes is one magical outing to achieve immortality.
What will Caitlin Clark do in her finale?
Apart from stories about Gabbie Marshall‘s controversial foul and the hopes of the injured Molly Davis playing in her final game, headlines have also focused on the women’s basketball record 14.2 million viewers that ESPN drew for Friday night’s Iowa vs. UConn matchup. Such highlights demonstrate how this Hawkeye team’s allure extends past any single player.
While Clark is assuredly not an afterthought, her status as the NCAA Division I’s all-time leading scorer playing her last collegiate game in the championship seemed to take a back seat on Saturday. Yet, she frequently finds a way to reclaim the spotlight, such as when she scored 41 of Iowa’s 77 points against South Carolina last year. Witnessing what Clark has in store during her remaining 40 minutes of competitive basketball will prove riveting.
“I don’t want this to end, regardless if it’s with a victory or defeat,” Clark said. “I think the biggest thing is that small fire inside burns the same as always throughout my career. Some tough losses have readied me for this opportunity, as those situations defined my development.”
“When it comes down to it, it’s a basketball game. You give your all but I’m hugely appreciative of how our team has carried themselves and all we’ve established. We’ll leave everything on the court to hoist the trophy tomorrow.”
Martin and Marshall, who have each started every game the past four seasons alongside Clark, will also play their final Iowa contest. The end of many eras in Hawkeye women’s basketball nears.
But 40 more minutes remain.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this program, these girls, and I know they’ve done the same,” Marshall said. “I’m going to leave it all on the floor. I’ll give 100%, 110%. Do whatever I can to help my team win.”
