Neither Shay Ciezki nor Rori Harmon entered the season as ranked ESPN players, yet both guards are making strong cases as rising stars in women’s college basketball this year. Each has emerged as a go-to contributor for her team, one with scoring and two-way versatility, the other with playmaking, control and leadership.
At 5-foot-7, guard Shay Ciezki has quickly established herself as one of Indiana Hoosiers Women’s Basketball’s most productive and versatile backcourt weapons. Through the start of the 2025-26 season, she is averaging 24.3 points per game ranking among the top scorers nationally while adding 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Ciezki’s scoring has been efficient. She dropped a team-high 35 points in a win over UIC and erupted for 38 in a loss to nationally ranked Iowa State Cyclones. She also scored 26 points in non conference victories against Western Michigan and FGCU. Her ability to put pressure on defenses off the dribble has opened up Indiana’s offense, while her willingness to rebound, facilitate and defend adds important two-way value.
Ciezki’s early-season dominance earned her her first career Big Ten Player of the Week honor early in the season. As Indiana looks toward a challenging Big Ten slate, her scoring, energy and versatility have made her a central piece of the Hoosiers’ backcourt.
On the other side of the country, 5-foot-6 guard Rori Harmon has carved her name into the Texas record book. In a 66–64 Players Era Championship win over then-No. 2 South Carolina, Harmon delivered the go-ahead jumper with under a second remaining and added nine assists, becoming Texas’ all-time assists leader with 777 assists.
Harmon is averaging roughly 9.9 points and 6.3 assists per game this season, running the Longhorns’ offense with calm control and consistent defensive effort. Her assist-to-turnover ratio is among the nation’s best, and her court vision and ball control give Texas a steady presence on the floor for a team with championship aspirations.
Back for a fifth season and fully healthy, Harmon has provided steady leadership as Texas remains unbeaten and pushes into national contention.
Ciezki and Harmon differ in style. Ciezki thrives as an aggressive scoring guard, using her quickness to attack defenses. Harmon plays the role of a traditional floor guard, running the offense, creating plays for teammates and maintaining composure in key moment
Yet both share common traits: they came into 2025 without major national attention, but have quickly become indispensable to their respective programs. Their performances emphasize a broader theme in women’s college basketball that impact often dictates success.
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