5 WNBA players to watch out for after impressive first half ft. Jackie Young

The second half of the WNBA season kicks off this week following a two-week break to give way to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Focus will once again be channeled to the women in The W, particularly those who had impressive performances in the opening half of the season.

Here's a closer look at five WNBA players to watch out for in the second half of the season:

5 WNBA players to keep an eye on after an impressive first-half

#5. Angel Reese, Chicago Sky

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese had her share of doubters as she began her WNBA journey, particularly how her game would translate in the pros after a stellar collegiate career.

The former LSU standout has so far done well in giving her critics something to think bout for a double take. In 24 games so far for the Sky (10-14), she has become a bona-fide double-double machine with averages of 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds. She even set a new WNBA record for most consecutive games with double-doubles at 15 games.

Reese is expected to continue to figure prominently in Chicago's attack with Marina Mabrey traded before the Olympic break.

#4. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

Selected No. 1 overall in this year's WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, so many expectations were thrown Caitlin Clark's way, which, by and large, she has lived up to.

The Iowa Hawkeye legend has become one of the key moving pieces in Indiana, averaging 17.1 ppg, 8.2 apg (league-high), 5.8 rpg and 1.5 spg in 35 minutes for the Fever (11-15).

She saw her WNBA journey get off to a 1-8 start but when she started to become comfortable with her teammates and their system, Indiana has gone 10-7 since, which could well continue in the second half with her anchoring.

#3. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces

Six-year veteran guard Jackie Young has been having career-high numbers across the board, solidifying her standing as among the emerging top talents in The W.

In the 23 games she played so far for the two-time defending champions Las Vegas Aces, the former Notre Dame standout posted 18.5 ppg, 5.5 apg and 4.7 rpg in 34 minutes of play for the Aces (16-8), leading to her third straight All-Star selection.

It is going to be interesting how she will build on it, coming off a stint with Team USA in the Olympics, where they won an eighth straight gold medal.

#2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx have been a steady fixture atop the Western Conference for much of the season, including winning the Commissioner's Cup title, thanks to the play of All-Star forward Napheesa Collier.

The UConn product has been a solid two-way player for the Lynx (17-8), with averages of 20.0 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.2 spg and 1.5 blocks in 20 games.

She missed their last five games before the Olympics break because of a plantar fasciitis injury, but was steady in the Olympics as a starter for Team USA.

#1. A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Widely considered as the best player in the WNBA right now, A'ja Wilson was stellar in the first half of the season with solid numbers befitting her standing.

The two-time league MVP is seemingly poised for another one with career-high norms of 27.2 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.9 bpg and 1.9 spg in 24 games for the Aces (16-8).

They hit a rough patch midway into the opening half of the season but on Wilson's lead, the Aces soon turned things around, winning 10 of their last 12 games to get back in the mix. The Aces will be out for more as they go for a third straight WNBA title.