By: Clint Neumann
Playoff Matchup Preview
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (16-13, 12-10 NSIC) launch their NSIC Tournament campaign Wednesday night on home court, welcoming Minnesota Crookston (9-19, 7-15 NSIC) to the Stewart Center at 6:00pm. Having secured the No. 5 seed, the Cougars enjoy home-court advantage for this opening round, while the No. 12 seeded Golden Eagles arrive looking to snap their four-game skid.
This marks the third clash between these programs this season, with USF having claimed both previous encounters. The Cougars secured a 75-65 road victory in Crookston on Jan. 4 before delivering a commanding 83-64 win at home on Feb. 14. USF's sharpshooting from beyond the arc—exceeding 47% in both contests—proved decisive against Crookston's vulnerable perimeter defense.
Despite these earlier results, postseason intensity brings a different dynamic, and the Golden Eagles feature a formidable offensive weapon in Emma Miller, who recently established the NSIC single-season scoring record while leading the conference at 22.8 PPG. Neutralizing her impact represents a critical focus for USF as they aim to rebound from consecutive losses last weekend to Northern State and UMary.
With victory, the Cougars would advance to the NSIC quarterfinals at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, continuing their quest for a deep tournament run.
Scouting Minnesota Crookston
The Golden Eagles present a moderate offensive threat, ranking 7th in the NSIC with 67.2 PPG. However, their attack heavily centers around Emma Miller, who tops the conference in points per game (22.6), field goal attempts (588), and three-pointers made (84).
While not an elite shooting squad, Crookston excels at the free-throw line, ranking 2nd in the NSIC at 78.0%. They frequently capitalize on Miller's ability to draw fouls and convert at the stripe.
Defensively, Crookston has struggled considerably this season, sitting last in the NSIC in points allowed per game (75.0). They also occupy the bottom position in opponent field goal percentage (43.4%) and opponent three-point percentage (35.1%)—vulnerabilities USF will seek to exploit.
Rebounding has likewise challenged the Golden Eagles, who rank 12th in the NSIC in rebounding margin (-5.9), creating a clear advantage for USF, particularly on the offensive glass.
Key Minnesota Crookston Players
- Emma Miller (G, Jr.): An explosive scorer, Miller leads the NSIC at 22.6 PPG while contributing 5.0 RPG and 2.9 APG. She recently erupted for 41 points against No. 2 seed SMSU and will command the full attention of USF's defensive strategy.
- Nicole Hernandez (F, R-Sr.): The Golden Eagles' premier rebounder (8.0 RPG, 4th NSIC) and shot-blocker (2.8 BPG, 2nd NSIC). She adds 7.7 PPG and provides a defensive anchor in the paint.
- Riley Jenkins (G, R-So.): A reliable complementary scorer averaging 11.1 PPG and 6.2 RPG while shooting 41.3% from the field and 82.3% from the line. Her length and defensive prowess present additional challenges.
History vs. Minnesota Crookston
The Cougars have dominated the series this season, securing double-digit victories in both matchups.
- Jan. 4, 2025 (USF 75, UMC 65, in Crookston): Kami Wadsworth led all scorers with 22 points, supported by Aby Phipps (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Anna Vaaler (11 points, 9 rebounds).
- Feb. 14, 2025 (USF 83, UMC 64, in Sioux Falls): Wadsworth delivered a career-high 30 points, Ayla Brown recorded a 14-point, 10-assist double-double, and USF connected on 11-of-23 threes (47.8%) in what would be Coach Traphagen's 300th career win.
USF's exceptional perimeter shooting has been instrumental in both victories, a trend they'll aim to continue against Crookston's struggling three-point defense.
Cougars at a Glance
USF's offense thrives on balance, efficiency, and outside shooting. The Cougars lead the NSIC in three-point percentage (38.6%) while ranking 5th in scoring (73.4 PPG) and 4th in field goal percentage (43.3%).
Defensively, USF specializes in limiting quality three-point opportunities, holding opponents to 30.6% from deep (4th NSIC). They also rank 1st in the NSIC in opponent rebounds per game (33.6), a crucial advantage against Crookston's rebounding deficiencies.
With leading rebounder Aby Phipps sidelined, the Cougars have embraced a collective approach to board control. They enter the postseason with a +3.0 rebounding margin (7th NSIC), a potentially decisive factor.
Key USF Players to Watch
Kami Wadsworth (F, So.): The engine of the Cougars' offense, Wadsworth has been dominant all season, leading the team with 18.5 points per game (4th NSIC) while shooting 48.0% from the field (4th NSIC) and an impressive 43.9% from three. She is also a relentless competitor in the paint, drawing fouls and setting a new USF Division II-era record with 120 made free throws this season, hitting them at 87.6%. Wadsworth's versatility makes her a nightmare for defenses—too strong for smaller guards and too quick for post defenders. She thrives in one-on-one matchups inside, but if defenses collapse on her, she is more than capable of kicking the ball out to open shooters. Expect the Golden Eagles to throw multiple defensive looks her way, but she has counters for nearly every defensive strategy.
Alexis Rose (G, Fr.): One of the biggest breakout freshmen in the NSIC, Rose has quickly become a key offensive weapon for the Cougars. She provides instant energy, whether coming off the bench or starting, and averages 10.4 points per game while shooting an elite 41.8% from three. Rose's ability to knock down perimeter shots is crucial for USF's spacing. When defenses focus too much on Wadsworth inside, Rose makes them pay from beyond the arc. She's also shown a willingness to attack closeouts, putting pressure on defenses with her quick first step. If she can stay aggressive, she will be an X-factor in this postseason run.
Ayla Brown (G, So.): The floor general and leader of the Cougars, Brown dictates the tempo of the game. She leads the team in minutes played (31.9 MPG) and assists with 4.1 per game (4th NSIC), while also adding 8.9 points per contest. Brown's high basketball IQ and court vision make her a difficult player to defend. She reads defenses well, knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down to get the Cougars into their half-court offense. She is also one of the most efficient shooters on the team, hitting 44.7% from the field and 44.9% from three. If USF is going to make a statement in the postseason, Brown will be at the center of it, controlling the pace and finding her teammates for open looks.
Anna Vaaler (G, Fr.): Vaaler has been a key two-way player for USF, bringing a mix of outside shooting, scoring versatility, and rebounding. She's hit 34 threes this season and has shown the ability to knock down big shots in key moments. Vaaler has also stepped up on the defensive end and on the boards, averaging 4.6 rebounds per game. With Aby Phipps out, her rebounding efforts will be even more important against a Crookston team that struggles on the glass.
Megan Fannin (G, Gr.): Fannin is the Cougars' deadliest shooter from long range, knocking down 45.0% of her three-point attempts. Even though defenses know her as a shooter, she still finds ways to get open and get her shots off quickly. She proved her game-changing ability earlier this season when she hit a USF record nine three-pointers against Minot State. When she gets going, she can single-handedly shift momentum and put pressure on opposing defenses. Her ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for Brown and Wadsworth and makes it extremely difficult for defenses to collapse inside. Expect USF to look for Fannin on kick-out passes and transition threes to keep Crookston's defense on its heels.
Keys to Victory for USF
- Maintain Perimeter Excellence: USF has shot over 47% from deep in both matchups against Crookston, and with the Golden Eagles ranking last in opponent three-point percentage (35.1%), the Cougars should capitalize on this advantage.
- Neutralize Emma Miller: Miller is an elite scorer who will get her shots, but USF must force her into difficult attempts and deny her preferred floater.
- Control the Boards: Crookston struggles in rebounding (-5.9 margin, 12th NSIC), presenting a significant opportunity for USF to dominate possession.
- Limit Crookston's Three-Point Success: The Golden Eagles aren't an elite shooting team, but have hit 10+ threes in four of their nine wins. Disrupting their perimeter game is essential.
- Maintain Playoff Composure: With Crookston fighting to extend their season, USF must remain disciplined, execute adjustments, and leverage their strengths throughout the contest.
Fan Information
- Tickets: At the gate only. $10 General Admission. $2 Students (K-College).
- Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
- Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here.
- Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call.
- Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB).
