In what has been nothing short of a dominant season, Hailey Van Lith continued to show why she is one of the most electrifying players in college basketball, delivering another standout performance that left fans and opponents alike in awe. The former Louisville star, now making her mark at TCU (Texas Christian University), took center stage in an intense matchup against Notre Dame, and once again, she proved why she’s one of the top players in the nation.

With an impressive scoring display, clutch plays, and her usual fierce energy, Van Lith was the driving force behind TCU’s victory, as they toppled Notre Dame in a game that solidified Van Lith’s status as one of the most valuable transfers in women’s college basketball this season.

A Game-Changing Performance: Van Lith’s Explosive Night

From the moment the ball tipped off, Hailey Van Lith was in attack mode, showcasing her signature skills and taking control of the game. Notre Dame, a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, had no answer for Van Lith, who seemed to be everywhere on the court—scoring, defending, and facilitating.

Van Lith finished the game with a game-high 28 points, adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds to her stat line. She was unmatched in both the half-court and transition, hitting deep jump shots, breaking down defenders off the dribble, and finishing through contact. Her three-point shooting was on full display, as she nailed multiple clutch triples that kept TCU’s offense clicking throughout the night.

Notably, Van Lith’s ability to step up when it mattered most was evident in the final moments of the game. With Notre Dame mounting a late comeback, Van Lith hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead, effectively silencing any hopes of a Notre Dame rally. It was another classic example of her ability to perform in clutch situations—a trait that has earned her recognition as one of the most dangerous players in the game.

The Impact on TCU: Hailey Van Lith’s Role in the Horned Frogs’ Success

Hailey Van Lith’s transition from Louisville to TCU has been a revelation for the Horned Frogs, who have benefitted greatly from her scoring and leadership. The senior guard brings not only a wealth of experience but also a winning mentality that has injected new life into TCU’s program. Under her leadership, TCU has made serious noise in the NCAA Tournament race, with Van Lith as the clear leader on both ends of the floor.

Her scoring ability is well-known, but what sets Van Lith apart is her versatility. In this game against Notre Dame, she demonstrated her ability to impact the game in more ways than one. Whether it was creating opportunities for her teammates with pinpoint assists, locking down defensively, or stepping up as the go-to scorer, Van Lith’s all-around game is the reason TCU is poised to be a major threat in the postseason.

It’s also her confidence and poise in big moments that have made her an invaluable asset for TCU. Her experience on the big stage at Louisville has translated seamlessly to her new role at TCU, and her leadership has been a key factor in the Horned Frogs’ success. Coach TCU’s head coach has praised Van Lith’s work ethic, calling her the “heart and soul” of the team, and it’s easy to see why. The team rallies around her, and her performance against Notre Dame is just the latest example of why she’s the leader they look to when the game is on the line.

Notre Dame’s Struggles Against Van Lith’s Onslaught

While Notre Dame is known for its toughness and strong defensive schemes, they simply couldn’t keep up with Van Lith’s offensive barrage. Throughout the game, they tried various defensive looks, from double-teaming Van Lith to switching on ball screens, but nothing seemed to work. Van Lith’s ability to create separation with her ball-handling skills and footwork left the Fighting Irish scrambling to find an answer.

One of the standout moments came when Van Lith took on Notre Dame’s top defender in a one-on-one battle, backing her down in the post and then spinning off for a smooth fadeaway jumper that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The play not only showcased her offensive game but also her confidence in big moments, a key reason why she’s been able to shine so brightly throughout the season.

Despite a strong performance from Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld, who each chipped in with solid individual efforts, the team couldn’t match the offensive firepower that Van Lith brought to the court. Notre Dame’s defense, once considered one of the best in the nation, struggled to contain TCU’s star guard, which ultimately resulted in a deflating defeat for the Fighting Irish.

Hailey Van Lith’s Rising Stock: A Strong Candidacy for Player of the Year

Hailey Van Lith’s performance against Notre Dame only adds to her growing case for National Player of the Year. With several impressive performances throughout the season, including her dominant showings in big-time matchups, she has proven herself to be a player who can take over games and lead her team to victory. In addition to her scoring prowess, her ability to impact all facets of the game—from playmaking to defensive stops—has made her a complete player and a serious contender for postseason awards.

For TCU, having Van Lith on the roster is a game-changer. As a player who can drop 30 points on any given night, her ability to take over in crunch-time situations has made her a true X-factor in the Horned Frogs’ tournament aspirations. If TCU continues to perform at a high level, there’s no doubt that Hailey Van Lith will be at the center of that success.

Looking Ahead: TCU’s Postseason Journey

With the victory over Notre Dame in the rearview mirror, TCU is now setting its sights on the next steps in their tournament journey. With Van Lith’s leadership and firepower, they are poised to make a deep run, but the road ahead won’t be easy. Teams from across the country will be gunning for the Horned Frogs, but if anyone is capable of leading them through the competition, it’s Hailey Van Lith.

As TCU heads into the next phase of the NCAA Tournament, the key will be keeping Van Lith healthy and firing on all cylinders. If her performance against Notre Dame is any indication, she’s ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. For now, all eyes will be on Hailey Van Lith, as she continues to carve her name into the history books and lead TCU on their incredible tournament run.

Conclusion: Hailey Van Lith’s Historic Impact

Hailey Van Lith’s performance against Notre Dame serves as yet another reminder of her incredible skill, leadership, and clutch play. As she continues to shine in her first season at TCU, her status as one of the nation’s elite players is undeniable. With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, Van Lith and TCU are on a mission to prove they belong at the top, and as long as she’s on the floor, they’ll have a chance to make some serious noise.

Van Lith has not just carried the torch for TCU—she’s made it burn brighter than ever. And after a performance like this, it’s clear that the best is yet to come for both Hailey Van Lith and the Horned Frogs.