End of an era: NC State women’s basketball faces Michigan State in seniors’ home finale

By Jadyn Watson-Fisher

Updated April 15, 2025 4:31 AM

N.C. State’s Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James celebrate following the Wolfpack’s 104-95 double overtime win over top-ranked Notre Dame on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News and Observer

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RALEIGH

Saniya Rivers walked along the row of N.C. State’s courtside seats across from the team bench, hugging the team’s most ardent supporters after the Wolfpack’s win over Wake Forest in its final home game of the regular season. Rivers, however, didn’t cry.

Senior day was just a dress rehearsal for its three seniors’ final game at Reynolds Coliseum. Now, that day has come.

No. 2-seed N.C. State faces No. 7 Michigan State at noon Monday for a shot at a Sweet 16 appearance — one last game at Reynolds Coliseum.

Rivers, Aziaha James and Madison Hayes have become staples — and fan favorites — on the Wolfpack roster. James and Hayes were part of N.C. State’s most recent ACC Championship, in 2022, and all three played integral roles in the team’s Final Four run a year ago.

James is the only one to play her entire career at N.C. State, joining the program in 2021. Hayes transferred from Mississippi State the same year and has played four seasons. Rivers played her freshman year at South Carolina before transferring in 2022.

They’ve all had wonderful careers with the Pack. Now, the reality and finality is starting to set in.

“We were in the weight room the other day, and my eyes literally started tearing up,” Rivers said. “We were just having a good time dancing, slacking off — because sometimes we do that, I’m not gonna lie — but it was just a fun time, and I just got emotional. I’m like, ‘These are my girls. … I’m about to go from seeing them every day, hanging out with them, doing the dances, working out to not seeing them at all.”

The trio’s resume is long but its impact extends beyond the lines on the court. From signs at College Gameday, their partnerships with organizations that support fans of all ages, and constant willingness — even after losses — to share hugs, take photos and sign autographs, the three guards will leave Reynolds as beloved members of the women’s basketball program.

Fans have checked their children out of school to watch the three play; others attended specific events. Pack fan Brian McRee had custom Funko Pop figurines made of Rivers and Hayes.

“The relationships, not (only) what we built as a team but with the fans, as well. They love us. They support us through the hard times and the losses,” Hayes said. “They always come and show out, and that’s why I feel like they’re the best fans in the nation.”

Hayes said she’s trying not to dwell on Monday’s game being her last one in Raleigh. She isn’t afraid to be emotional, but she wants to get through the game first.

All three surpassed 1,000 career points this season and rank in the program’s career top 15 in at least two statistical categories. Additionally, they rank in the program’s top 50 for career points. James leads the group with 1,551 points.

They helped the program go undefeated at home in the regular season and have won 22 consecutive games at Reynolds Coliseum.

The underclassmen want to celebrate their teammates, and their contributions to the program, by helping send the seniors from Reynolds with a victory and what would be their third Sweet 16 appearance as a group.

“They have showed a lot of loyalty to Wolfpack nation,” freshman Devyn Quigley said Sunday. “Getting that win for them tomorrow to finish out their senior year, it’s gonna be big, and it’s gonna mean a lot to the team.”

Mar 31, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; From left, NC State Wolfpack center River Baldwin (1), guard Saniya Rivers (22), guard Madison Hayes (21) and guard Aziaha James (10) celebrate after a game against the Texas Longhorns in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Troy Wayrynen USA TODAY NETWORK

‘Living out their legacy’

N.C. State’s underclassmen don’t want to win only to keep their seniors’ college basketball careers going. Like Rivers, they mentioned their deep admiration and care for each other.

Quigley said she and Hayes share a close friendship, rooming together on road trips. She recalled their private conversations, providing support for each other. She also mentioned a pregame activity where the duo, alongside one of the team’s practice players, dropped items on their pinkie toes to see what hurt more. (No one sustained injuries from the activity, and it was not sanctioned by head coach Wes Moore.)

Freshman Zamareya Jones feels most connected to Rivers, while Brooks claims James as her closest teammate. Forward Maddie Cox said she probably has the deepest friendship with second-year graduate student Lizzy Williamson but she’s grown closer to James this season.

They’re seemingly always in communication, having fun on the bus and holding each other accountable.

It’s crazy to think this particular group won’t be together, at least like this, after the tournament, Brooks said. Like last year, the current players still communicate with now-professionals Mimi Collins and River Baldwin, but they recognize the privilege they have.

Rivers and James are expected to be WNBA draft picks. Hayes, while she may not be drafted, is expected to receive evaluations or go pro in a different league. Their teammates expect them to do great things — Brooks said playing alongside future pros inspires her — but those great things will lead them into a new phase of life.

“We’re going to see each other at weddings, baby showers, whatever the case may be. But, it’s a sisterhood. We created that. A lot of programs don’t have a sisterhood. They’re just teammates, just basketball. Here, it’s different, and I really admire that. I hope that it continues, even when we leave.”

That’s why every win matters. The thrill and challenge of competition is great. They love playing and being in each other’s presence more. A win over Michigan State gives the Pack a little more time. It extends the clock another weekend.

“They’re all great people. When you go through those long stretches, games, practices, your body’s wearing down. You’re tired, physically, mentally, because of school and everything you have to manage,” Quigley said, “those moments are when it shows you how much you truly love your seniors. You want to do everything you can to help them to keep going and keep living out their legacy.”