Big 12 Weekly Honors: Stailee Heard and Regan Williams Shine Bright

The Big 12 Conference has announced its weekly accolades for the fifth week of the 2024-25 women’s basketball season, recognizing Oklahoma State’s Stailee Heard as Player of the Week and Kansas’ Regan Williams as Freshman of the Week. Both athletes delivered standout performances, showcasing their exceptional skills and making significant contributions to their respective teams.

Player of the Week: Stailee Heard – Oklahoma State

Sophomore guard Stailee Heard had an electrifying week, delivering back-to-back stellar performances that highlighted her scoring and rebounding prowess. The Sapulpa, Oklahoma native earned her first career Big 12 Player of the Week honor with her record-setting displays.

Highlights of Heard’s Week:

• Game vs. Houston Christian:
  • Scored 29 points in a dominant 93-39 victory.
  • Made all seven of her 3-point attempts, marking the best single-game 3-point percentage performance in OSU history.
  • Tied for the second-best 3-point percentage in Big 12 history (7-for-7).
  • Grabbed 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
• Game vs. Alabama State:
  • Achieved her first career 30-point game with 32 points.
  • Shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 8-for-11 from beyond the arc.
  • Pulled down 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.
  • The eight 3-pointers were part of OSU’s 20 made threes, tying a Big 12 team record for most in a single game.
  • Made her first five 3-pointers, extending her streak to 13 consecutive makes from three, just one shy of the NCAA record.

Heard’s performances not only showcased her elite scoring ability but also her impact as a dominant rebounder. Her contributions on both ends of the floor played a key role in Oklahoma State’s success and cemented her as a rising star in the conference.

The Total Package:

Heard’s performances not only displayed her scoring prowess but also highlighted her versatility as a rebounder and defender. Her ability to impact the game from deep, dominate the glass, and lead her team with poise and energy speaks volumes about her potential. With her consistent production and ability to perform in high-pressure moments, Heard is quickly becoming a cornerstone for Oklahoma State.

What Sets Heard Apart:

1. Elite Shooting: Heard’s precision from beyond the arc has been unmatched, making her a nightmare for opposing defenses.
2. Rebounding Prowess: Her rebounding ability ensures she’s a force on both ends of the court, securing possessions and creating second-chance opportunities.
3. Versatility: Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or defending, Heard excels across the board, making her an invaluable asset to her team.

Impact on the Season:

Heard’s record-breaking week is a testament to her growth and development as a player. As a member of the 2024 Big 12 All-Freshman Team, she has continued to elevate her game, becoming a leader for Oklahoma State. Her performances this week not only helped her team secure vital wins but also established her as one of the premier players in the conference.

With a combination of scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and rebounding dominance, Stailee Heard is poised to make an even greater impact as the season progresses, solidifying her place as a rising star in collegiate basketball.

Freshman of the Week: Regan Williams – Kansas

Regan Williams, a forward from Kansas City, Missouri, earned her first Big 12 Freshman of the Week honor with an impressive double-double performance that helped Kansas secure a hard-fought victory over Wichita State.

Highlights of Williams’ Week:

• Recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
• Led all Big 12 freshmen in rebounds for a single game during the week.
• Her 13 points tied for the second-most among league freshmen.
• Added a steal and a block to round out her well-rounded performance.

Williams’ ability to step up in critical moments and contribute on both ends of the court has made her an integral part of Kansas’ lineup. Her effort and consistency have helped the Jayhawks secure their fourth-straight win and continue their strong start to the season.

Clutch Play and Versatility

Williams’ performance against Wichita State was pivotal in helping Kansas secure its fourth-straight win. Her solo effort to open the fourth quarter on an 8-0 scoring run not only erased a deficit but also swung the momentum in favor of the Jayhawks. Williams’ ability to make key plays during high-pressure moments demonstrates her composure and maturity beyond her years.

Her 11 rebounds, which led all freshmen in the league, highlighted her effort on the boards and willingness to battle in the paint. She also showed her defensive versatility by recording a steal and a block, disrupting Wichita State’s offensive rhythm and creating opportunities for her team in transition.

Strengths and Impact:

1. Rebounding Dominance: Williams’ strong rebounding performance provides Kansas with additional possessions and defensive stops, showcasing her physicality and effort in the paint.
2. Offensive Versatility: Her ability to score both inside and from mid-range adds depth to Kansas’ offensive game plan.
3. Defensive Presence: With her quick instincts and hustle, Williams can effectively guard multiple positions and contribute to the team’s defensive schemes.
4. Clutch Factor: Williams has already demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion, making game-changing plays in critical moments.

A Rising Star for Kansas

Williams’ breakout performance against Wichita State is a testament to her potential as a key contributor for the Jayhawks. Her effort and consistency have quickly earned her the trust of her coaches and teammates, solidifying her role in the team’s success this season.

Big 12 Stars on the Rise

Both Stailee Heard and Regan Williams exemplify the talent and competitiveness that define Big 12 women’s basketball. Heard’s record-breaking shooting performances and Williams’ clutch double-double highlight the tremendous impact these players have on their teams. As these athletes continue to excel, they are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the narratives of their respective programs this season.

Kansas fans have much to look forward to as Williams continues to develop her game, providing a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. With her skill set and determination, she is well on her way to becoming a cornerstone player for the Jayhawks.