Author: footballtopstar

In a dominant performance, the No. 6 South Carolina women’s basketball team crushed Vanderbilt 82-54, powered by career games from MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards. The Gamecocks took control in the second half after leading by 10 points at halftime.

Fulwiley made an immediate impact when she entered the game midway through the first quarter. She contributed six points during an 8-0 run that gave South Carolina a double-digit lead. Despite shooting just 5-21 in the second quarter, Fulwiley’s explosive play helped the Gamecocks maintain their advantage. She finished the half with 15 of her career-high tying 24 points.

Coming out of the break, Khamil Pierre scored the first four points of the third quarter, before Dawn Staley brought Edwards in off the bench. Edwards responded with five straight points and 11 total during a decisive 16-1 run. South Carolina capitalized on defense, turning turnovers into fast breaks and scoring opportunities, with nine points in transition and six from free throws.

Edwards finished the game with a career-high 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. She dominated in multiple areas, showcasing her all-around game. The contest also featured two of the top candidates for SEC Freshman of the Year, Edwards and Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes. Blakes, who entered the game averaging 23.4 points, was held to just 19 on 5-15 shooting, along with seven rebounds and three turnovers. While the award isn’t decided by a single game, Edwards certainly won this matchup.

South Carolina shot an impressive 63% in the second half and finished at 46.2% overall, while Vanderbilt struggled, shooting just 30.4%. Te-Hina Paopao contributed 13 points, and the Gamecocks had a significant advantage on the boards, outrebounding the Commodores by 12. South Carolina turned 17 turnovers into 23 points, while Vanderbilt only scored three points off of 13 turnovers.

The Gamecocks had an off-night from beyond the arc, hitting just 5-19 from three, but still found success with 17-27 shooting from the free-throw line. As for the team’s depth, Maryam Dauda contributed three points and seven rebounds in 12 minutes, and Pierre added 14 points and 10 rebounds. All 12 players saw action, with every Gamecock scoring except for Sakima Walker.

Despite 45 fouls being called (23 on South Carolina and 22 on Vanderbilt), no players fouled out. The crowd of 7,805 at the arena witnessed the Gamecocks extend their lead to as much as 30 points in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina’s next challenge is at Ole Miss on Thursday.

In a dominant 82-54 victory, South Carolina overcame Vanderbilt in what was expected to be a challenging game. Here are the key takeaways from the contest.

– Memorial Gymnasium, known for its tricky layout and challenging sightlines, was made even more difficult by some controversial foul calls in the first half. These calls put the Gamecocks in foul trouble, while putting Vanderbilt in the bonus. It seemed like a perfect setup for South Carolina to struggle, but they powered through. Despite some poor shooting, they dominated the boards and turned defense into easy baskets. Players like Maryam Dauda made crucial contributions, ensuring the team stayed on track. Dauda followed her solid performance against Arkansas, with nine points and eight rebounds, by adding three points and seven rebounds in this game, filling in when Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin were sidelined due to foul trouble.

– On Sunday, South Carolina’s cohesiveness was evident. Their ball movement was particularly impressive, reflected in the 16 assists on 30 made baskets. But it wasn’t just the assists – it was also about small but significant plays, like tipping rebounds to teammates or directing loose balls to spots where teammates were ready to grab them. The Gamecocks likely would’ve had even more assists had they been able to hit their jumpers in the first half. Regardless, this performance is another sign that the team is focused and locked in, especially as we approach the postseason. This makes their less-than-stellar showings against Texas and UConn seem even more out of character.

– Dawn Staley often frustrates some fans with her refusal to make frequent lineup changes, but there’s a reason for her consistency. My argument is that constant changes can shake players’ confidence, and if A’ja Wilson could come off the bench, anyone can. However, Staley is not as rigid with her rotations as people think. As the season has progressed, she has begun inserting MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards into the game before the first media timeout, and she’s been more willing to go with the hot hand in the guard rotation. For example, Fulwiley played 13 minutes in the first half, while Raven Johnson only saw eight.

Then, in the third quarter on Sunday, Staley made a bold move. After Khamil Pierre opened the second half with two quick baskets, Staley subbed Edwards in for Sania Feagin within the first two minutes of the quarter. It was a quick substitution, but it paid off. Edwards scored 11 points during South Carolina’s decisive 16-1 run, showing just how effective that change was.

Jamarii Thomas walked off the podium following his postgame interview and, full of emotion, shouted one word that summed up the feelings of everyone in this building: “HALLELUJAH!”

For the first time in nearly two months, the South Carolina Gamecocks have won a basketball game. After enduring a grueling 13-game losing streak, they came out victorious with an 84-69 win over Texas. This is their first win since December 30, 2024, and their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) win since March 9, 2024, when they defeated Mississippi State 93-89.

It’s been a tough road for South Carolina this season. Early in SEC play, they suffered a pair of blowout losses, but things weren’t always that bleak. Six of their defeats were by five points or fewer, leaving the players frustrated but determined. Collin Murray-Boyles put it perfectly after the game: “This is just well overdue. We put in a lot of work in practice. We’ve had some really close games this season. The feeling is just a sigh of relief that we could finally taste what it’s like to win in the SEC and hopefully keep it going for the rest of conference play.”

What’s been particularly excruciating about those losses has been how close the Gamecocks came, only to fall short. Whether it was missed free throws, turnovers, or inconsistent shooting, there always seemed to be something standing in their way. At times, it seemed like the players might give up. No one likes to lose, after all. But having a steady leader like Lamont Paris has kept the team grounded.

“He just keeps believing in us day in, day out,” Thomas said. “Sometimes, as you know, when you lose, guys lose confidence and things of that nature. But he instills it right back into us, and he just believes in us. So we just play hard for him.”

A month ago, after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Mississippi State, Coach Paris remained steadfast in his belief that the Gamecocks’ day was coming. And today, that day arrived. As Coach Paris explained after the game, this win was a result of everything coming together: “Feels good to see the guys be able to rejoice when they’ve been yearning to do this so many times. They’ve been on the doorstep so many times. So for them to continually have the energy, the effort, the belief that they have in anticipation of playing well and winning a game has been really impressive. And that’s what I’m proudest, or most proud of them for.”

Of course, one victory won’t erase the challenges of this season. South Carolina still sits at the bottom of the SEC standings with a 1-13 record. It’s been a disappointing year, especially after making the NCAA Tournament last season. But with four games left, this win offers a much-needed shift in perspective. The Gamecocks now see what it takes to win, and that’s the first step toward something bigger.

As always in college basketball, there’s still the hope of a magical run. The SEC Tournament is just around the corner, and while South Carolina will most likely enter as the No. 16 seed, it only takes one hot streak to make an incredible run. They’ll need to play five games in five days to win it all, but for now, the focus is on celebrating this win and regaining that feeling of victory.

“The relief is that now they can take everything at face value,” Paris said. “The whole world opened up again. They can listen to things differently that I say. They can process things differently now that they’re not consumed by that one thing. And so I think that’s where relief comes in is that you’re able to move forward and the last thing you remember is playing pretty well.”

For South Carolina, this victory is a sign of better things to come. The Gamecocks may have just found the key to turning their season around.

No. 6 South Carolina’s matchup against Vanderbilt this Sunday at 3:00 PM ET at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Let’s break down the key points for today’s game.

1. Stay Focused and Engaged
South Carolina’s journey to success against Arkansas was a bit of a slow start, but once they hit their rhythm, they dominated. Though Arkansas might not have been able to capitalize on the Gamecocks’ slow start, Vanderbilt could very well make them pay if they don’t come out strong. The key for South Carolina remains getting into their groove quickly, and for them, that means focusing on defense, fast breaks, and unselfish offense. Head coach Dawn Staley emphasized, “We’re focused. We’re not perfect, but we’re focused. When we have the level of focus that we have, we’re going to be disciplined on both sides of the basketball, and we’re going to play cleaner basketball.”

2. Containing Mikayla Blakes
Vanderbilt’s star freshman Mikayla Blakes is a major threat, averaging 23.4 points per game and shooting 46.4% from the field. Blakes is a versatile scorer, capable of driving to the rim, shooting from mid-range, and even hitting three-pointers. With a free-throw percentage of 88.5%, she’s a dangerous all-around player. Staley knows the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s hard to stop when you got the greenest of green lights. You’re unafraid. You have no fear of missed shots. You have no fear of turning the ball over.” The Gamecocks will need to limit her clean looks and control their fouls to make it tough for Blakes to operate.

Beyond scoring, Blakes also contributes 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, though she does have a tendency to turn the ball over, with over three turnovers per game. This could be an area South Carolina can exploit.

3. Dauda Time?
Maryam Dauda, the Arkansas transfer, had one of her best performances of the season against her former team, recording nine points and eight rebounds in just 14 minutes. Dawn Staley praised Dauda for showing more confidence, saying, “We gave her her flowers in film today, and I hope that she feels that and wants to bottle that up and display it again.” South Carolina has struggled with post depth this season, and Dauda could provide a much-needed spark, even with modest contributions. If Staley can rely on her for consistent minutes, it would add significant depth heading into the postseason.

4. Availability Report
South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins will be out for this game. As for Vanderbilt, Sacha Washington is out for the season due to a blood clot in her leg. Any further changes to the availability list will be updated accordingly.

5. Scouting Vanderbilt’s Commodores
While Mikayla Blakes has stolen the spotlight, Khamil Pierre has quietly been dominant. Pierre averages nearly a 20-10 double-double, posting 20.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, along with 2.9 steals. Pierre set Vanderbilt’s scoring record earlier in the season with 42 points, only to see Blakes surpass it multiple times.

Defensively, Vanderbilt is a bit undersized. Pierre, standing at 6-2, and Blakes, at 5-8, leave the Commodores vulnerable against larger forwards. The Commodores have struggled defensively, giving up big scores to teams like Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and others. When they’ve had success, it’s been by keeping the game close, as seen in their wins over ranked teams like Tennessee and Alabama. South Carolina won’t want to get into a shootout with Blakes, but they will need to ensure the game doesn’t stay stuck in the 60s either.

Scoreboard Watch
While South Carolina focuses on their game, there are a couple of games to keep an eye on. LSU faces Kentucky on Sunday, with South Carolina holding a one-game lead over the Tigers. A Kentucky win would be beneficial for the Gamecocks, while an LSU win would lock Kentucky into the fourth seed for the tournament. Additionally, South Carolina will be rooting for Georgia to pull off an upset against Texas on Monday.

Game Info
Who: #6 South Carolina (24-3, 12-2) vs. Vanderbilt (19-8, 6-7)
When: Sunday, February 23, 3:00 PM ET
Where: Memorial Gymnasium, Nashville, TN
Watch: SEC Network+

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach game time!

In a major development for the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has officially narrowed down his college choices, and unfortunately, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been cut from the running.

On Saturday, the highly coveted five-star quarterback announced that his decision is now down to Georgia and Oregon. This leaves South Carolina on the outside looking in, as the Gamecocks no longer appear to be in contention for Curtis’s commitment.

However, it’s important to note that Curtis has made it clear he will only be taking official visits to Georgia and Oregon, despite previously planning to visit South Carolina in late June. While this doesn’t completely shut the door on the Gamecocks, it does place them at a significant disadvantage.

Curtis, who is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the second-best player overall in the 2026 class, is also considered the best player from Tennessee according to composite rankings. His status as a five-star recruit makes his decision a highly watched one.

Even though it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, and the Gamecocks have ample opportunities to secure a strong class this year, missing out on Curtis is undoubtedly a blow.

Currently, South Carolina has five commitments in the 2026 class, with J’Zavien Currence, a standout safety who has been committed since last October, leading the charge.

More news…..

“I’m a big fan of the Gamecocks”: RB Jayrean Campbell discusses his interest in South Carolina

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.

As of February 21, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks are actively engaging with a talented pool of in-state prospects for the 2026 recruiting class. The Palmetto State boasts numerous high-level athletes, and the Gamecocks are keen on securing commitments from these local talents to strengthen their roster.

Key In-State Prospects:

• Kentavion Anderson (Dorman High School, Spartanburg): A standout defensive back, Anderson has been a focal point of the Gamecocks’ recruiting efforts. His performance at recent camps has solidified his status as a top target.
• Zyon Guiles (South Florence High School, Florence): An offensive lineman with impressive size and agility, Guiles participated in South Carolina’s camp in June 2024, showcasing his skills and interest in the program.
• Khristian Jackson (Summerville High School, Summerville): A dynamic wide receiver, Jackson received a scholarship offer from the Gamecocks, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact.
• Jaiden Kelly-Murray (Summerville High School, Summerville): Another talented wide receiver from Summerville, Kelly-Murray has been offered by South Carolina, indicating the program’s interest in bolstering its receiving corps.
• Darius Gray (Irmo High School, Irmo): An elite offensive lineman, Gray has scheduled an official visit to South Carolina, signaling his serious consideration of the Gamecocks.
• Noah Clark (C.E. Jordan High School, Durham, NC): A four-star defensive lineman, Clark has confirmed an official visit to South Carolina, reflecting the program’s national recruiting reach.
• Jackson Repp (Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville): A speedy wide receiver, Repp committed to the Gamecocks, expressing his enthusiasm for playing at the highest level in the SEC.
• Bear McWhorter (Greenville High School, Greenville): A talented lineman, McWhorter included South Carolina in his top five schools and has set a commitment date, indicating the Gamecocks’ strong position in his recruitment.
• Travis Johnson (Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington, VA): A four-star wide receiver, Johnson has set an official visit to South Carolina, showcasing the program’s appeal to out-of-state prospects.
• Gordon Sellars (Northwestern High School, Rock Hill): A priority wide receiver target, Sellars has scheduled an official visit to the University of South Carolina, highlighting the Gamecocks’ focus on enhancing their receiving options.

The Gamecocks’ proactive engagement with these prospects underscores their commitment to building a competitive team by tapping into the rich talent pool within the state. By focusing on in-state recruits, South Carolina aims to strengthen its roster with players who have a strong connection to the university and its community.

As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, the Gamecocks’ efforts to secure commitments from these in-state prospects will be pivotal in shaping the future of the program. Their success in this endeavor will not only enhance the team’s competitiveness but also solidify their presence in the Palmetto State’s football landscape.

South Carolina Softball on a Historic Path Under Ashley Chastain Woodard

Good afternoon, I’m here with breaking news from the world of South Carolina softball, where a thrilling new chapter has begun under the leadership of Ashley Chastain Woodard, the program’s 11th head coach. After being appointed on June 11, 2024, Woodard, a former Gamecock player and graduate assistant, has already ignited a wave of success that is making an undeniable impact in Columbia.

Woodard’s coaching resume speaks volumes. Before returning to her alma mater, she spent five successful years as the head coach at Charlotte, compiling a remarkable 154-96 record and securing two NCAA postseason appearances. Her teams consistently delivered impressive results, including Quad 1 victories over powerhouse programs like Florida State, Georgia, and Virginia Tech. Now, she brings that winning mentality and culture to South Carolina.

An Unstoppable Start to 2024

The Gamecocks’ transformation under Woodard has been nothing short of spectacular. Since taking the reins, she has led the team to a perfect 12-0 record, earning a spot in the national rankings at No. 21. In these early games, South Carolina has already proven its mettle with victories over respected opponents like North Carolina, Virginia, Providence, and East Carolina. Clearly, this team is poised to compete at the highest level.

Key Players Driving the Momentum

The Gamecocks’ dominance is fueled by standout performances from key players:

• Quincee Lilio (INF) – With a staggering .576 batting average and 1.496 OPS, Lilio leads the team in hits (19) and runs (12).
• Natalie Heath (UTIL) – Hitting .538 with a 1.496 OPS, Heath has been a consistent offensive threat.
• Emma Sellers (SS) – A steady force at the plate, Sellers boasts a .400 average and .971 OPS.
• Abigail Knight (OF) – Contributing heavily with a .394 average and 10 runs scored.
• Lexi Winters (C/OF) – With a .367 batting average, 1.253 OPS, and 11 RBIs, Winters has been clutch at the plate.
• Ella Chancey (3B) – A dynamic presence, Chancey has a .357 average and 1.132 OPS.

In the circle, Sam Gress has also shined, delivering dominant pitching performances while contributing offensively.

What’s Next for the Gamecocks?

Looking ahead, South Carolina will aim to extend their perfect start as they take on Boston University at 1 PM today. With Ashley Chastain Woodard at the helm, the Gamecocks are rapidly establishing themselves as a force in college softball. If the team’s early success is any indication, they’re more than ready for a deep postseason run.

The Gamecocks’ newfound winning mentality has them on the rise, with the past struggles of the program now firmly in the rearview mirror. The Ashley Chastain Woodard era is off to a historic and exciting start, and South Carolina fans have much to look forward to as this thrilling season unfolds.

Update on South Carolina women’s basketball as they look to secure their first road win since their loss to Texas in Austin on February 6.

The No. 6-ranked Gamecocks (24-3, 12-1 SEC) are coming off a dominant 95-55 victory over Arkansas on Thursday night. Now, they travel to Nashville for a matchup with Vanderbilt on Sunday at 3 p.m. (SEC Network+).

The Commodores (19-8, 6-7 SEC) are fresh off a tough 101-81 loss to Oklahoma. Despite their recent struggles, head coach Shea Ralph, who is in her fourth season with Vanderbilt, has had a history of success against South Carolina as an assistant coach at UConn. However, since taking over as the head coach of the Commodores, Ralph has yet to defeat Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley. Historically, South Carolina holds a 22-21 lead in the all-time series against Vanderbilt, and the Gamecocks have won 16 straight games against the Commodores, with their last loss to Vanderbilt coming back in 2011.

Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of the upcoming game:

Mikayla Blakes: Vanderbilt’s Rising Star

Freshman Mikayla Blakes is a standout for the Commodores and is making a strong case for SEC Freshman of the Year. The 5-foot-8 guard has already scored 50+ points in two separate games this season and recently dropped 34 points in a 30-point performance, her fifth of the season. She’s currently averaging 23.4 points per game, ranking No. 6 in the nation and second in the SEC. Blakes’ highlight moment came on January 19 when she hit a game-winning shot to defeat Tennessee. Just this past Sunday, she set an NCAA freshman record with 55 points in a comeback victory over Auburn.

The Gamecocks will likely have Bree Hall match up against Blakes, but as Coach Dawn Staley mentioned, Blakes is a tough player to stop. Staley remarked, “When you’ve got the greenest of green lights, it’s hard to stop, you’re unafraid and have no fear of missed shots. It’s hard when you are running up against a player like that, you’ve just gotta make it difficult. You gotta control what you can control.”

The key for South Carolina’s defense will be to limit Blakes’ open looks, avoid fouling, and make her uncomfortable whenever possible.

Khamil Pierre: A Threat in the Paint

Blakes may get most of the attention, but Khamil Pierre is another dangerous player for Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-2 sophomore forward is averaging 20.8 points per game and has posted more than 24 points in three games this month alone. She provides the Commodores with a strong inside presence, complementing Blakes’ outside scoring. Pierre also stands out on the boards, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, more than Sania Feagin, Joyce Edwards, and Chloe Kitts, who will need to be mindful of Pierre’s presence down low.

If Bree Hall can disrupt Blakes’ shooting, the Gamecocks will need to make sure they limit Pierre’s impact on the glass, as she is dangerous both offensively and defensively. Transition defense will also be crucial, with Blakes likely looking to push the pace following any rebounds from Pierre.

Vanderbilt’s SEC Resume

While the Commodores have faced some struggles this season, they’ve proven they can compete with top-tier SEC teams. Notable victories include wins over Tennessee and Alabama, both of which have given South Carolina trouble this season. Additionally, Vanderbilt only narrowly lost to LSU by six points. If the Gamecocks underestimate them or replicate the mistakes they made against UConn, this game could turn into a serious challenge.

South Carolina vs Vanderbilt Prediction

In what promises to be an exciting matchup, I predict South Carolina will win 89-77. Blakes will certainly put up over 18 points, but I expect Bree Hall to limit her scoring and prevent her from reaching a 50-point game. Ultimately, South Carolina’s starters should be more in sync on offense, allowing them to overcome the Commodores and extend their win streak.

Stay tuned for updates as the Gamecocks look to continue their dominant season!

Before the UConn game, Bob Joyce, the radio announcer for UConn, interviewed Brad Muller, the voice of the Gamecocks. Joyce asked Muller about the Gamecocks’ leaders, but Muller struggled to provide an answer.

On Wednesday, ahead of media availability, the discussion turned to identifying a key player to speak with. “We need one of the team leaders,” someone suggested. Yet, no one could pinpoint who that was.

This has become an ongoing concern for the Gamecocks this season: Who exactly is stepping up as a leader? Even head coach Dawn Staley doesn’t seem to have a clear answer. “Our most experienced players have to be better,” Staley remarked on Wednesday.

Last season, leadership wasn’t an issue for South Carolina. They lost just one player, Kamilla Cardoso, who wasn’t known for being a vocal leader. So, why is leadership a question this year?

It may not have been a concern last year because the Gamecocks weren’t really tested—they never had to fight back from a loss. There’s also the personality factor at play.

From an outsider’s perspective, leadership often gets boiled down to who delivers the fiery speeches to pump up the team. But the Gamecocks compensated for the absence of that type of leadership with an incredibly talented and competitive roster, all laser-focused on the ultimate goal of winning.

They rose to the challenge time and again—whether it was dealing with a loss to Iowa in the Final Four, Raven Johnson’s Revenge Tour, the controversy of not being ranked No. 1, or Cardoso’s suspension.

They didn’t forget how to compete—well, except for the UConn game. However, when you’re the defending champions, it’s harder to stay motivated. The chip on the shoulder isn’t as large, and the drive isn’t as intense.

Perhaps, being blown out by UConn could be the rallying point this season. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a humbling defeat. For the first time, South Carolina isn’t the favorite to win the championship.

With UConn’s commanding victory over South Carolina drawing 1.8 million viewers, the largest ESPN regular-season audience in 15 years, the question remains: has the chip returned for the Gamecocks?

That sense of leadership certainly surfaced in the Gamecocks’ victory over Arkansas, particularly from MiLaysia Fulwiley. She finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a series of incredible plays that stood out.

“I didn’t think about the last game. I just focused on this game,” Fulwiley explained.

But Dawn Staley saw even more in Fulwiley’s performance. The sophomore, who is usually quiet, showed a more assertive side. “She was mad at the beginning,” Staley noted. “You can be mad and hold it in, or you can be mad and voice your opinion. And she was one that voiced her opinion. It’s good to hear it from a young player. A competitor doesn’t like anything about what happened. Not one thing, you know.”

Fulwiley’s competitive nature has become contagious. Zia Cooke spoke about how Fulwiley drives her teammates to elevate their game. “She really does that in practice,” said Laeticia Amihere. “But every time she does it, it’s a shocker. No matter how many times she does it, it’s just mind-blowing because you don’t see that every day.”

Aliyah Boston is another relatively quiet player, but through her performance, she has grown into a leader on the floor. Against Arkansas, Boston scored a team-high 18 points, with nine of those coming during a crucial 16-0 run in the third quarter.

“We knew we had to come in and execute and show the world who South Carolina is, remind the world who South Carolina is,” Boston said.

Other players also contributed to the win. Te-Hina Paopao had an off night with just four points on 1-5 shooting but contributed key plays in the third quarter, including a steal that led to a layup and a rebound that led to another basket for Edwards.

Staley also praised the likes of Raven Johnson, Choe Kitts, Sania Feagin, and Maryam Dauda for playing their roles effectively. Sometimes, leadership isn’t about speaking up but executing what the team needs.

Edwards and Fulwiley exemplify the type of leadership that can push the team forward. Despite any flaws, their competitiveness is undeniable, and that competitive fire can inspire the entire team to rise to the occasion.

“She’s grown, she really is growing,” Staley said of Fulwiley. “She’s learning. She’s more active in practice. She’s using her voice in practice. So it’s always a good thing when a young player starts to utilize their voice and understands their power.”

Do I buy into this newfound leadership from South Carolina?

Perhaps. I’ve certainly convinced myself.

But more importantly, I’ve seen enough of these Gamecocks to know: Never count them out.