“Scoring wasn’t always my thing, especially against bigger girls”: When 5’6 Hannah Hidalgo talked about embracing her defensive approach
Notre Dame Fighting Irish sophomore Hannah Hidalgo has been one of the most prolific scorers in college women's basketball throughout her tenure. This season, she's averaging 25.7 points per game, up from 22.6 in her freshman year, on an efficient 50.7% clip, including 45.8% from the 3-point line.
But even with Hidalgo establishing herself as a premier shot-maker, her defense, specifically on the backcourt, should not be overlooked. The 5-foot-6 guard considers herself a two-way player and has the stats to back it up as she posts a pesky 4.1 steals per contest.
In an interview with fellow basketball player Haley Jones in March for The Players' Tribune's "Sometimes I Hoop" podcast, Hidalgo shared that during her up-and-coming, years she was always a defense-first player and has fully integrated that mindset with her scoring prowess.
"I get my energy from my defense, especially being a smaller guard," she said. (Timestamp: 3:25). "Always being a smaller guard, I had to figure out how to do something else, because scoring wasn't always my thing, especially playing against bigger girls.
"I was so small I didn't know how to finesse and score over taller girls. So, I was always told that defense wins championships so I always took pride in my defense."
With the success she has garnered this season, leading the Irish to a 14-2 record, it seems as though Hidalgo has found the right balance with when to use her energy in terms of running the offense or giving it her all on defense.
This has led to outstanding collegiate career averages for the second-year standout, going for 23.5 ppg and 4.4 spg in that span.
Hannah Hidalgo says her defense radiates energy toward her teammates
Hannah Hidalgo also expressed that her defensive tenacity has also worked wonders for her team apart from her.
"I feel like it (my defense) not only gives me energy, but it also gives energy to my teammates when we're able to get stops and we're able to run in transition," she said (Timestamp: 3:45). "That's really our bread and butter. When I'm able to do that, it makes it easier for my teammates."
Although she sat out the game, third-ranked Notre Dame's 67-58 win over the Clemson Tigers on Sunday saw them tally a stifling eight blocks.
Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish hold a 5-0 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference as they host the 17th-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (15-2, 3-2) on Thursday.