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Before leaving Friday’s postgame press conference following their Sweet 16 matchup with LSU, NC State women’s basketball standouts Madison Hayes, Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers stopped to collect a few mementos.
First, the trio grabbed press conference nameplates with their names and the school’s Wolfpack logo. The group then posed for a selfie with coach Wes Moore, capturing one final moment before life takes them their separate ways.
A memorable four-year run for Moore and the Wolfpack guard trio came to an end Friday, No. 2 NC State falling to third-seeded LSU 80-73 in the Sweet 16 of the Spokane, Washington regional. Its season ends at 28-7.
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“(Hayes) four years, (James) four years and (Rivers) three years have represented this program unbelievably, both on the court and off,” Moore said. “So couldn't be prouder of 'em. Love 'em. We're going to miss 'em. We're still trying to get an attorney and see if we can get fifth years for 'em, but, yeah.”
Over the past four seasons, the trio has played a role in NC State winning 111 games. The Wolfpack have made appearances in the Sweet 16 (2025), Elite 8 (2022) and Women’s Final Four (2024) during the span, in addition to claiming a share of the ACC regular season championship this winter.
James led the Wolfpack this season with just shy of 18 points per game, with Rivers and Hayes averaging 11.9 and 10.9 points, respectively. Hayes averaged a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game, with Rivers nipping her heels at 6.6.
LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey also lauded the group during Friday’s postgame presser, offering words of encouragement to each of them in the aftermath of their Sweet 16 game.
“(Mulkey) just basically said that somebody's got to lose and it's hard to go through that moment,” Hayes said. “But that's all she pretty much said. And much respect for her. She's one of the best college coaches in the nation for a reason, and she's here for a reason and her team is, so congrats to them.”
It was those fun times the group opted to reflect on Friday night, recalling how Moore and NC State welcomed them with open arms — whether as a young high school recruit or a prized transfer.
“Playing for (Moore) isn't easy, but it's only because he cares, especially when he has high standards and high expectations that we set,” Rivers said. “Like, (Moore) mentioned, we went to (the) Final Four last year, and we had an opportunity to lead a team there. And he knows that, so he expected that from us this year, of course. And even though we didn't get there, this game doesn't define our season. We had a great season."
Added Hayes, who started her career at Mississippi State: “I'm just kind of glad that he gave me that second chance as well. I didn't start here, but I'm just really glad he gave me that second chance to be a part of this culture, a part of this program with these special girls, special coaching staff.
"So I just love everybody, and I wouldn't want to play for any other team in the nation. And I love these girls as well, and I can't wait to see all of us in the league somewhere.”
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State women's basketball finds reason to smile despite Sweet 16 loss
Continue reading...
First, the trio grabbed press conference nameplates with their names and the school’s Wolfpack logo. The group then posed for a selfie with coach Wes Moore, capturing one final moment before life takes them their separate ways.
A memorable four-year run for Moore and the Wolfpack guard trio came to an end Friday, No. 2 NC State falling to third-seeded LSU 80-73 in the Sweet 16 of the Spokane, Washington regional. Its season ends at 28-7.
MORE BITTER, THAN SWEET: NC State women's basketball denied spot in Elite Eight by LSU. Here's how
SHE'S A DAWG: Who is Zamareya Jones? Meet one of NC State's brightest March Madness stars
“(Hayes) four years, (James) four years and (Rivers) three years have represented this program unbelievably, both on the court and off,” Moore said. “So couldn't be prouder of 'em. Love 'em. We're going to miss 'em. We're still trying to get an attorney and see if we can get fifth years for 'em, but, yeah.”
Over the past four seasons, the trio has played a role in NC State winning 111 games. The Wolfpack have made appearances in the Sweet 16 (2025), Elite 8 (2022) and Women’s Final Four (2024) during the span, in addition to claiming a share of the ACC regular season championship this winter.
James led the Wolfpack this season with just shy of 18 points per game, with Rivers and Hayes averaging 11.9 and 10.9 points, respectively. Hayes averaged a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game, with Rivers nipping her heels at 6.6.
LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey also lauded the group during Friday’s postgame presser, offering words of encouragement to each of them in the aftermath of their Sweet 16 game.
“(Mulkey) just basically said that somebody's got to lose and it's hard to go through that moment,” Hayes said. “But that's all she pretty much said. And much respect for her. She's one of the best college coaches in the nation for a reason, and she's here for a reason and her team is, so congrats to them.”
It was those fun times the group opted to reflect on Friday night, recalling how Moore and NC State welcomed them with open arms — whether as a young high school recruit or a prized transfer.
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“Playing for (Moore) isn't easy, but it's only because he cares, especially when he has high standards and high expectations that we set,” Rivers said. “Like, (Moore) mentioned, we went to (the) Final Four last year, and we had an opportunity to lead a team there. And he knows that, so he expected that from us this year, of course. And even though we didn't get there, this game doesn't define our season. We had a great season."
Added Hayes, who started her career at Mississippi State: “I'm just kind of glad that he gave me that second chance as well. I didn't start here, but I'm just really glad he gave me that second chance to be a part of this culture, a part of this program with these special girls, special coaching staff.
"So I just love everybody, and I wouldn't want to play for any other team in the nation. And I love these girls as well, and I can't wait to see all of us in the league somewhere.”
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State women's basketball finds reason to smile despite Sweet 16 loss
Continue reading...
