National Player’s Candid Confession On Freshman of the Year Race Exposes Old Rivalry with UConn’s Sarah Strong

“It’s not a one-woman race for National Freshman of the Year.” These words by South Carolina’s head coach ring truer than ever. They carry a weight that hints at a rivalry between two of college basketball’s brightest stars. If college basketball had its own version of Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson, this would be it. One name, UConn’s Sarah Strong, has dominated the Freshman of the Year conversation all year.

While South Carolina’s virtuoso has matched her every step of the way. Their rivalry hasn’t developed out of nowhere, it’s been brewing since their time on middle school courts. And as the NCAA Women’s D1 basketball season winds down, perhaps their biggest achievement lies on the line.

Joyce Edwards has emerged as a surprise contender for an honor most considered a 1-horse race, competing with the best-of-the-best in the NCAA D1. Like Ronaldo vs Messi or LeBron James vs Kevin Durant, this rivalry has the potential to go down as one of the best in college sports history once you consider how Strong and Edwards used to be rivals back in middle school too!

Edwards, a Camden High School standout, and Strong, the star of Grace Christian in North Carolina, clashed on the court multiple times. High School vs. High School. North Carolina vs. South Carolina. Edwards vs. Strong. The battles were fierce, and the stakes only grew higher.

In the 2023 Chick-fil-A Classic, Strong—then the No. 1 ranked high school player per HoopGurlz—dominated with 31 points and 17 rebounds, leading Grace Christian to victory. Edwards countered with 27 points and 9 boards of her own. But fate had more in store. The script flipped when they shared the same jersey for the East team in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Edwards poured in 19 points, Strong secured a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, and when the dust settled, they were named co-MVPs. A rivalry turned partnership.

Sarah Strong and Joyce Edwards: The evolution

Fast-forward to February 2025 and the storyline has transformed into the two vying for National Freshman of the Year. Strong has grown into a capable power forward for the UConn Huskies while Edwards is a versatile forward presence.  Despite the rivalry, there is no love lost between the two.

“We go out there, we compete, and then off the court we’re going to be friends, we’re going to hug. But at the end of the day we both want to win, and it’s going to be about who wants it more,” Edwards stated. The South Carolina baller has averaged 12.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and a free throw percentage of 73.4%. In comparison, Strong has averaged 16.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 75.5% free throw conversion.

But numbers tell only a part of the story. Their play styles remain a stark contrast despite their similar positions on the court. Strong is a do-it-all forward. Similar to a young LeBron, she stretches the floor, dominates the board, and facilitates like a guard. Edwards on the other hand is power personified. The Camden native bulldozes through the defense, cuts through lanes, and is the ultimate clutch player. The two have had their own welcomes to college basketball. Strong’s standout performance against Iowa saw the 19-year-old score 29 and grab 9 rebounds in a statement win over Iowa. On the other hand, Edwards thrashed the Florida Gators with a 28-point and 5-rebound performance.

With March Madness looming, the young bucks are faced with high stakes. The award is still up for grabs, but when the stakes are this personal, will numbers be enough, or will it come down to who wants it more?