Norman, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team kicked off the 2026‑27 season with back‑to‑back victories, and freshman forward Leelee Bell was the standout performer. The United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) honored her as the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week, and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) named her its Freshman of the Week.
Bell led the Sooners in scoring in both games. Against North Carolina, she poured in 25 points, and she followed that with 20 points in a win over Morgan State. Her scoring bursts helped the Sooners secure a 2‑0 start, setting a positive tone for the season.
National and conference recognition
The USBWA’s Tamika Catchings award highlights the nation’s top freshman performers each week. Bell’s selection reflects her immediate impact on a program that has long been a staple of women’s college basketball. The SEC’s weekly honor further underscores her dominance within one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
What’s next for the Sooners
Oklahoma will host San Jose State on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Norman. The Sooners hope to build on their early success and continue climbing the conference standings. Coach Jennie Baranczyk praised Bell’s work ethic and said the team expects her to be a key contributor throughout the season.
“Leelee’s confidence and skill set are exactly what we need as we head into a challenging schedule,” Baranczyk said. “Her ability to score, rebound, and defend makes her a complete player for us.”
Community and fan response
Local fans gathered at the Lloyd Noble Center to cheer the Sooners on their opening night. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, and many highlighted Bell’s performance as a sign of a promising future for women’s basketball in Oklahoma. The team’s early success has already generated excitement among alumni and community supporters who look forward to a competitive season.
Bell’s achievements also serve as an inspiration for young athletes in the region, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to national recognition even at the freshman level.
Looking ahead
With Bell’s accolades adding momentum, the Sooners aim to contend for the SEC title and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team’s schedule includes matchups against several ranked opponents, providing ample opportunity for Bell and her teammates to test their mettle on the national stage.
For updates on the Sooners’ progress and upcoming games, stay tuned to local sports coverage and the university’s official athletics website.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
