DMV Players in the Men's and Women’s March Madness Tournament
The DMV is widely recognized for the concentration of Division 1 collegiate athletes it produces across all sports, especially basketball. This March Madness there are plenty of athletes from high schools in the area to watch for and support, including 3 cadets.
SJC Alumni in the women's tournament:
Azzi Fudd – UConn
Azzi Fudd, SJC class of 2021 - is a star player at the number one overall seeded, University of Connecticut. Azzi was the number one player in the country while at St. John’s and remains at the top in her 5th season at UConn, as she was selected on the AP First Team All American roster. Azzi’s college experience has been one of perseverance, facing many serious injuries; but despite her obstacles, she has become a star in college basketball and crucial player in her team's massive success. In the 2025, Azzi helped to lead UConn to their 12th national championship (their first since 2016) and was awarded Most Outstanding Player for the tournament. She has had a phenomenal final season, averaging 17.7 points per game, and expected to be the number one pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Kyndal Walker – Maryland
Kyndal Walker, SJC class of 2024 – is a redshirt freshman at the 5-seed Maryland. Kyndal was ranked 35th nationally in her time playing for St. John’s. Kyndal has been a meaningful spark of the bench for the Terrapins this season, especially in some of the big conference wins, averaging just over 21 minutes per game.
Delaney Thomas – Duke
Delaney Thomas, SJC class of 2023 – is junior at the 3-seed Duke. Delaney was ranked 29th overall in the country at St. John’s. She is now a starter for the Blue Devils, and has played significant minutes this season, with high impact in Duke’s ACC championship.
WCAC Players
Maddy McDaniel, Bishop McNamara – South Carolina
Maddy McDaniel, McNamara class of 2024 – is a guard for the 1-seed, South Carolina Gamecocks. Maddy was ranked 14th in the country during her WCAC play. She has averaged just over 20 minutes per game this season, coming off the bench.
Laura Williams, Paul VI – USC
Laura Williams, PVI class of 2024 – is a redshirt freshman at the 9-seed, University of Southern California. As a forward, Laura has stepped up for her team this season and been an important rebounder throughout the season.
Qadence Samuels, McNamara – NC State
Qadence Samuels, McNamara class of 2023 – is a junior at the 7-seed, NC State. Before transferring to NC State this year, Qadence was apart of UConn’s national championship team. This season she has played a starting role with career-high averages.
Other DMV Schools
Kiki Rice, Sidwell – UCLA
Kiki Rice, Sidwell class of 2022 – is a senior, top player at the 1-seed, UCLA. Kiki was ranked second in the country coming out of Sidwell. She has been a starter since her freshman year as a Bruin but having a career year in her final season, averaging 15.3 points per game. Kiki has been named on the AP Third Team All-American roster for her contributions to UCLA’s record season and will play a crucial role in their ability to win a championship this year.
Riley Nelson, Bullis – Duke
Riley Nelson, Bullis class of 2023 – is a redshirt sophomore at 3-seed Duke. Riley was ranked 18th in the country at Bullis. Her minutes per game have doubled this season since transferring from Maryland as she has transitioned into a starting role for the Blue Devils and played impactful minutes, characterized by a game-winning three-pointer in overtime for the ACC championship.
Kendall Dudley, Sidwell – Michigan
Kendall Dudley, Sidwell class of 2024 – is a sophomore at the 2-seed Michigan. Kendall was ranked 18th in the country while playing at Sidwell. Kendall plays about 18 minutes per game off the bench and is an effective team player and energy for the Wolverines.
WCAC Players in the Men's Tournament
The WCAC is one of the best sports conferences in the U.S., especially in basketball and their players in March Madness emphasizes that.
Unfortunately all St. John’s players missed the NCAA tournament but still had great seasons. In March Madness, DeMatha has one player, PVI has one player, and Gonzaga has two players.
Elijah Hawkins is a senior who went to Dematha and plays for Texas Tech playing a big part in their successful season. He averages 9.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds on an average of 32 minutes per game.
Darren Harris is a sophomore that went to PVI and plays for Duke. He averages 3.7 points and less than one rebound and assist per game on an average of 10 minutes. He played well in the ACC championship and will hope to get more minutes in March Madness.
Gonzaga has two players who are playing each other first round, Derek Dixon on UNC and Nyk Lewis on VCU. Derek Dixon has struggled with minutes all year but with Caleb Wilson injured he is stepping up. He is averaging 6.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
Nyk Lewis has been a big part of VCU’s surprise season and hit the game sealing free throws in their upset over UNC and his former teammate. He is averaging 8.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 24.1 minutes.
