March is here, and the biggest stars in the game will headline the madness. You’ll see plenty about Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, Kamilla Cardoso and Hannah Hidalgo. Those players are the foundations of their teams.
But it takes more than a star to take a team to the Final Four. The players around that star — whether they’re other starters, role players or super subs — have a part to play. Some might find they can put even more on their shoulders at this time of year. Those difference-makers on the roster? We’re calling these players the “ceiling changers” because when they’re at their best, their teams’ potential goes way up.
For these nine teams to make deep runs (or pick up an upset or two), these ceiling changers need to be at their best.
(Players arranged alphabetically by last name.)
NC State senior forward
Region: Portland 4 | Seed: 3 | First-round details: vs. No. 14 Chattanooga, 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPNU; Raleigh, N.C.
Collins is typically the fourth-best option for the Wolfpack, but when she scores in double figures, NC State is 18-2. When she makes more than 50 percent of her shots, the Wolfpack are undefeated (12-0). It’s too much to ask opposing defenses to contain Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James on the perimeter, River Baldwin in the middle and NC…
