Nivar steps into spotlight as UNC’s defensive stopper, a senior leader

CHARLOTTE — With Lexi Donarski gone, there’s little mystery about who will likely take on the toughest defensive assignments for North Carolina this season. Senior guard Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels’ best returning defensive player, is ready to embrace that challenge, and as one of the team’s veterans, she’ll do it while leading a younger, retooled backcourt.

New faces, familiar ambitions for UNC women after offseason of transition

CHARLOTTE — Most coaches replacing three starters, including a decorated five-year player, face significant challenges. It’s not as if North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart wouldn’t love to have forward Alyssa Ustby, center Maria Gakdeng and guard Lexi Donarski back. But the influx of six talented players, including an incoming recruiting class ESPN ranked No. 5, along with stars returning, could make that transition easier after last season’s Sweet 16 run.

Long wait, journey for 5-star freshman Henderson after second knee surgery nearly over

Perseverance and drive to reach the moment have been motivating forces for Taliyah Henderson for more than a year. When she plays at Carmichael Arena in her Carolina debut on opening day, that will be 468 days after she last cut hard off a screen, showed her speed running up the floor or swished a jumper in a game that counts.