UConn commit Azzi Fudd wins Girls High School Player of the Year as Huskies head to Final Four
Azzi Fudd, the top girls basketball player in the country, has been named the 2021 Morgan Wootten Girls High School Basketball Player of the Year. The prestigious award is named after the legendary DeMatha Catholic (Maryland) coach who won multiple high school national championships and won over 1200 games in his storied career. Past winners include Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Breanna Stewart and UConn freshman Paige Bueckers.
“Being named a McDonald’s All American is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life. So to win the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year on top of that, it just kind of topped this year off and it’s an incredible honor,” Fudd told Yahoo Sports.
Fudd played her high school basketball career at St. John’s College High School and averaged 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists per game before this season ended due to COVID-19 protocols. She was the first sophomore ever to win the Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2019 and won the 3-point shooting contest at Steph Curry’s 2018 SC Select Camp.
The 5-foot-11 guard was the most sought-after recruit in girls basketball and committed to the University of Connecticut in November. Fudd will team up with Bueckers next season in what is the most highly anticipated duo in women’s college basketball. The two were the No. 1 recruits in their respective classes, are best friends and have already won two gold medals together for Team USA U-16 and U-17.
“I don't really feel like there's pressure but I'd definitely say that I'm nervous just because I want things to go so well when I get there and I want to help make an impact on this legendary program," Fudd said. "I check in with Paige all the time and it's been a mix of her calling after a bad practice and her telling me, 'We have to be better,' and then after big games like the other night when she's just screaming on the phone celebrating with everyone else."
Bueckers is averaging 19.8 points and 6.2 assists per game so far this season. She’s the first freshman ever to be named AP Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and posted 28 points in a 69-67 win over Baylor to advance to the Final Four. UConn has reached its 13th consecutive Final Four and will face Arizona on April 2.
“I get chills sometimes watching the team play this year,” Fudd said. “I’m just so excited to get out on the court next year and play alongside Paige and everyone else and get better every day.”
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