UConn incoming freshman Bria Hartley, a senior guard from North Babylon (N.Y.) High School, is one of five finalists for the Naismith High School Player of the Year Award.

Stanford signee Chiney Ogwumike, a one-time UConn recruiting target, Duke incoming freshman Chelsea Gray, Alabama commit Kaneisha Horn and Odyssey Sims, who is headed to Baylor, are the other finalists. The final ballots will be counted in early March and the winner will be announced at a March 23 banquet in Atlanta.

Also, some good news to report on the Meghan Gardler front. The senior forward suffered a relatively minor crack in her nose and won't need to wear a mask. I say relatively minor because I'm not sure there is such a thing as a minor injury when it comes to your face but sure she is relieved that she won't need to wear a mask either tonight when UConn plays at Syracuse or on Saturday when she is one of five seniors honored in their final regular-season home game. Gardler will make her second career start when UConn plays Georgetown at the XL Center.