The holidays are approaching, which means we are one step closer to ACC play. That’s when we will learn who the true contenders are. Most conference games start around the new year so, until then, here’s the latest ACC update:
No. 14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-1, 0-0 ACC)
Since losing opening night to now-No. 1 South Carolina, the Irish have looked like one of the most dominant teams in college basketball, winning eight-straight games by an average margin of 40 points. During this stretch, freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo has been absolutely sensational. She’s averaging 23.6 points, which is fourth in the nation, and 5.8 assists, which is 26th in the nation.
The ACC continues to produce dynamic freshman scoring guards; last season, it was Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State who dominated as a freshman. Hidalgo is averaging a mind-boggling six steals per game, which is almost two steals more than the second-ranked player at the national level.
Her on-ball pressure and off-ball instincts mean she and the Irish are in transition quite a bit. Her motor on both offense and defense is why she has been so spectacular this year. She’s a big reason why the Irish are the best offense in the ACC and a top-five defense in the conference. Their in-conference games start on New…
