OSU freshman guard Kelsey Mitchell (3) dribbles past James Madison junior guard Angela Mickens (32) during a NCAA Tournament first-round game on March 21 in Chapel Hill, N.C.. OSU won, 90-80. Credit: Courtesy of OSU athletics

OSU freshman guard Kelsey Mitchell (3) dribbles past James Madison junior guard Angela Mickens (32) during a NCAA Tournament first-round game on March 21 in Chapel Hill, N.C.. OSU won, 90-80.
Credit: Courtesy of OSU athletics

Ohio State women’s basketball guard Kelsey Mitchell become just the fourth freshman to be named a first team All-American by the United States Basketball Writers of America on Tuesday after leading the nation with 24.9 points per game.

Mitchell, the Big Ten co-Player of the Year, was also named an Associated Press second team All-American.

Her 873 total points this season set a new program and conference record, helping her become one of just five Buckeyes to make the AP first or second team. Mitchell’s debut collegiate campaign also saw her set an NCAA record with 127 3-pointers.

The Cincinnati native led OSU in both points and assists this season.

According to an OSU release, the USBWA All-American team consists of 10 players regardless of position. Being named among those 10 players makes you a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given by the USBWA to the nation’s best player. That award is set to be handed out on Sunday.

Mitchell led the Buckeyes to a 24-11 record and a 13-5 mark in conference play. OSU won its first two Big Ten Tournament games before earning a five-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Buckeyes knocked James Madison out of the tournament in the first round with a 90-80 victory before losing to North Carolina on a last-second shot on March 23. Mitchell scored 25 points in the season-ending loss and tied the game at the free throw line with five seconds to play, completing a 21-point OSU comeback. The Tar Heels went on to score with less than a second on the clock to win the game.

Along with leading the team in points and helpers, Mitchell averaged 4.2 rebounds per game and shot 83.5 percent from the free throw line.

Mitchell’s honor comes a day after Ohio State men’s basketball freshman guard D’Angelo Russell was named a first team AP All-American after leading the Buckeyes in scoring in his first collegiate season as well.