A season of women’s college basketball like we’ve never seen will culminate Sunday when Caitlin Clark and Iowa take on unbeaten South Carolina in the NCAA Division I Championship (ABC/ESPN, 3 p.m.).
The game will be played just up the road in Cleveland, but you can bet that many girls basketball players from the Pittsburgh area will be glued to their TVs with much interest.
The Pittsburgh Union Progress reached out to 13 WPIAL and City League standouts to get their predictions on the championship game. All but two of the players said they will be watching (one will be playing in a flag football game and the other in an AAU basketball tournament), and one of them will actually be in attendance at the game.
Of note, 12 of the 13 players said they believe South Carolina will come out on top, and all but five of them said they will be rooting for the Gamecocks. Every player agreed that Clark will still rack up some points, with each saying she would score at least 21.
Here are each players thoughts on the game:
Kelly Cleaver, Union, Senior (Millersville recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 72, Iowa 62.
Why? I think South Carolina will win by 10 points because of their gritty defense, along with the fact that their game plan continues to work considering they haven’t lost yet this year. Also, being a post player, I know how important the post game is, and I believe Kamilla Cardoso has an advantage over Iowa’s post players.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 25.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? Yes! I will absolutely not miss this one!
London Creach, Oakland Catholic, Junior
Prediction? South Carolina 80, Iowa 60.
Why? South Carolina has more athleticism than Iowa. This will probably be the toughest team Iowa will face defensively.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 30.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? Heck yeah I’ll be watching!
Mallory Daly, Seton LaSalle, Senior (Buffalo recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 74, Iowa 69.
Why? South Carolina is a better team all around. They have Kamilla Cardoso and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who are two of the best college basketball players in my opinion.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 28.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? I wish! I have a flag football game at 3, but I will definitely watch it after!
Alena Fusetti, Blackhawk, Senior (Mercyhurst recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 71, Iowa 67.
Why? I think [South Carolina is] viewed as the underdog and there has been a lot more hype on Iowa.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 31.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? I’m actually going to the game!
Erica Gribble, Greensburg Central Catholic, Sophomore
Prediction? South Carolina 87, Iowa 80.
Why? They are very hard to beat. They have a deep bench with a lot of skilled guards, and Dawn Staley is a really good coach.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 28.
Who are you rooting for? I’m not really rooting for anyone. I just hope it’s a good game.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Meghan Murray, Hampton, Senior (Kent State recruit)
Prediction? Iowa 94, South Carolina 90.
Why? They score and run the floor well, and South Carolina might have a tough time keeping up.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 40.
Who are you rooting for? Iowa.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Emma Paul, Armstrong, Senior (Fairmont State softball recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 74, Iowa 68.
Why? They have been dominant all season. Their post play and defense is stronger. Rebounds and defense win championships.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 35.
Who are you rooting for? Iowa.
Will you be watching? I wouldn’t miss it!
Alayna Rocco, North Catholic, Senior (Harvard recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 65, Iowa 57.
Why? I love Dawn Staley and the way she and the team carry themselves. They are also very deep in their roster and can bring people off the bench without losing any momentum.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 21.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Maggie Spell, Shady Side Academy, Sophomore
Prediction? South Carolina 78, Iowa 66.
Why? Because of their size all around, and their bench has a lot of depth and they have a balanced offense.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 35.
Who are you rooting for? Iowa.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Julie Spinelli, St. Joseph, Senior (Frostburg State recruit)
Prediction? South Carolina 74, Iowa 72.
Why? South Carolina has been undefeated all season and has been playing really well in the tournament. I think their success from the season will allow them to beat Iowa.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 22.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Iyanna Wade, Clairton, Junior
Prediction? South Carolina 65, Iowa 58.
Why? I think South Carolina has so many threats and everyone can do multiple things. Just a well-put-together team.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 26.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Natalie Wetzel, Peters Township, Junior
Prediction? South Carolina 87, Iowa 79.
Why? I don’t think that anyone on Iowa can match up with Cardoso.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 35.
Who are you rooting for? Iowa.
Will you be watching? Yes.
Bailey White, Allderdice, Sophomore
Prediction? South Carolina 76, Iowa 72.
Why? South Carolina has a better overall team. They have more girls that contribute to the game. SC’s forwards are stronger than Iowa’s.
How many points for Caitlin Clark? 27.
Who are you rooting for? South Carolina.
Will you be watching? I will not be watching because I’ll be at an AAU tournament.
Brad is a sports writer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at beverett@unionprogress.com.