Blog

  • Greg McElroy: Two Crucial Factors Could Determine South Carolina’s 2025 Season

    SEC Preview – Greg McElroy Talks South Carolina’s 2025 Prospects

    ESPN and SEC Network’s Greg McElroy took a deep dive into each SEC team on his podcast this week, highlighting key questions each team must answer to feel good about the 2025 season. When discussing South Carolina, the veteran analyst and former Alabama quarterback pointed to a familiar challenge from last offseason, as well as one of the biggest local storylines for the Gamecocks this year.

    “South Carolina had an impressive breakthrough last year,” McElroy said. “I don’t think in spring 2024 any of us would’ve predicted that South Carolina would be a fringe playoff contender, but the way this team was playing down the stretch, anything seemed possible.”

    McElroy identified two crucial questions for the Gamecocks: who will step up at wide receiver and who will fill the void of veteran leadership on defense?

    Indeed, the wide receiver position was a major talking point for South Carolina last year, especially with the departure of Xavier Legette, who was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. In an effort to replace Legette’s production, the Gamecocks relied on a by-committee approach, making significant strides under assistant coach Mike Furrey. However, the group still struggled to become one of the SEC’s most dynamic receiving corps.

    “We know they have one of the best quarterback prospects in the country in LaNorris Sellers,” McElroy said. “The problem is the wide receiver group last year was underwhelming. These players need to take a big step forward to make the passing attack more dynamic.”

    Despite these concerns, there is reason for optimism in Columbia. South Carolina returns Jared Brown, Nyck Harbor, and Mazeo Bennett from last year’s receiving room and adds one of the country’s most talented and deep receiver classes. That’s why I’m not as concerned about the position as McElroy seems to be, especially if Harbor makes another significant leap after sitting out the indoor track season.

    The Gamecocks should also expect some immediate contributions from their highly-rated freshmen, adding depth and potential to the position.

    However, McElroy’s other concern for South Carolina is much more significant.

    The Gamecocks’ defense, one of the nation’s best and historically strong, faces a major rebuild after losing key players such as Nick Emmanwori, Demetrius Knight, Kyle Kennard, and the entire two-deep at defensive tackle.

    “We know we have the building block on offense, but the building block on defense is Dylan Stewart,” McElroy said. “He’s the key, but they have a lot of replacing to do. This was a defense that finished in the top 20 for both scoring and rushing defense. They went to the portal and brought in transfers, but can they fill the gaps?”

    That’s the million-dollar question for South Carolina as they head into 2025. Will they be able to replace their defensive stars and maintain one of the country’s top units? Only time will tell.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball: “I’m So Happy” – Sania Feagin Always Believed in Dawn Staley’s Process

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball: “I’m So Happy” – Sania Feagin Always Believed in Dawn Staley’s Process

    It turns out that “The Process” isn’t just a term for the Philadelphia 76ers. Dawn Staley, a proud Philly native, brought that same mindset to South Carolina, and it’s paid off for Sania Feagin.

    Feagin’s journey has been anything but smooth. As a freshman on the 2022 national championship team, she barely saw the court, playing just 43 seconds across the two Final Four games without recording a stat. By the time the 2023 Final Four rolled around, Feagin didn’t play at all. Last season, she became a reliable reserve, but still, the stardom that was expected when she first signed with South Carolina hadn’t materialized. Feagin was ranked as the fourth-best player in her class and often cited as the most talented, yet she wasn’t able to showcase that ability immediately.

    “It’s kind of really cool to see someone go through their process,” Staley said. “Probably the first three years of her college career didn’t quite look or feel or sound like what she was capable of. I will say that I never let Feagin play less than her standard, less than her potential. That meant she sat a lot. That meant she played here and there, spotted here and there.”

    Each spring, Feagin’s name was often mentioned as a possible transfer candidate. But every time, she stayed.

    This season wasn’t any easier. Feagin likely wouldn’t have started if Ashlyn Watkins hadn’t been suspended. When Watkins returned and started playing well, Staley texted Feagin, telling her she would be making a change to the lineup. But Feagin wasn’t ready to give up. She asked for one more shot and promised Staley she wouldn’t let her down.

    Feagin began to shine. At 6-3, she’s undersized for a post player, lacking the natural rebounding or shot-blocking skills of Watkins. But what she lacked in size, she made up for with effort. Feagin blocked 51 of her 106 career shots this season and became South Carolina’s defensive anchor.

    For two seasons, Staley had been vocal about Feagin’s defensive struggles, often saying that her inability to defend had kept her off the court. Even last season, Staley repeatedly encouraged Feagin to improve defensively. But this year, Feagin was named to the SEC All-Defensive team and earned All-Tournament honors for her standout performances against some of the top post players in the SEC, including Khamil Pierre, Raegan Beers, Taylor Jones, and Kyla Oldacre.

    “This year it paid off,” Staley said. “When she’s locked in, she’s communicative, she’s skillful, she can stick to a game plan, she can defend. I mean, she’s got great footwork. She’s got a great touch. She is very efficient around the basket. That is her. You’re seeing all of her skill set that we saw during the recruiting process that we didn’t see on a consistent basis her first three years.”

    Feagin not only had a solid offensive tournament, averaging 12.7 points, but she also showcased her versatility. She scored in the low post, attacked with dribble drives, and even hit her second three-pointer of the season. But what stood out most was her defense.

    “Could anyone have imagined it would happen back in 2022 when she was unplayable because of her defense?” I asked.

    “Actually, yes,” Feagin replied. “Because I trusted the process and trusted myself to know that everything is going to fall in place for me, and everything that I deserve, I will get. Me trusting that process, I felt like I was going to be successful.”

    On Sunday, Feagin helped cut down the net in Greenville. Her trophy collection now includes three SEC tournament titles, three regional championships, and two national titles. When it comes to championship rings, Feagin has won so many that she’s lost count. At the start of the season, she mentioned that she still had a bare thumb, but now, with the addition of the 2024 national championship rings—designed to also double as pendants—Feagin’s hands are full.

    But these latest additions mean even more. She couldn’t stop smiling in the locker room after the game.

    “I’m super happy. I’m so excited,” Feagin said. “I’m really helping. I’m really a part of it. I made a contribution.”

    Stay updated with all things South Carolina women’s basketball!

  • South Carolina Star Receives Unanimous First-Round Predictions in Latest CBS Sports NFL Draft Mocks

    Nick Emmanwori

    The NFL Draft is now just over a month away, and the South Carolina football program is primed for a historic showing in Green Bay. The Gamecocks’ record for the most players selected in a single draft is seven, a feat reached in both 2009 and 2013. However, with 12 players invited to this year’s NFL Combine, there’s a strong possibility that record will be surpassed. Among those players, All-American Nick Emmanwori had the standout performance.

    In the latest NFL Draft projections from CBS Sports, Emmanwori has earned unanimous first-round grades. In six different mocks by analysts Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, Mike Renner, Josh Edwards, Kyle Stackpole, and Garrett Podell, the former Gamecock is expected to be taken on the first day of the 2025 draft.

    Ryan Wilson has the highest projection for Emmanwori, predicting he’ll be picked 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers. Next up is Josh Edwards, who has Emmanwori going 13th to the Miami Dolphins, a slot that has become a popular landing spot for the safety. Meanwhile, Kyle Stackpole has Emmanwori at No. 18 to the Seattle Seahawks, another team that’s consistently been linked to him in mock drafts.

    Chris Trapasso and Garrett Podell both see Emmanwori going at No. 22 to the Los Angeles Chargers and No. 24 to the Minnesota Vikings, respectively. The lowest projection comes from Mike Renner, who has Emmanwori going 30th to the Buffalo Bills, though Renner’s mock hasn’t been updated since March 4th.

    If Emmanwori is selected within the first 32 picks, he’ll become the first South Carolina safety taken that high since 1979, when fellow All-American Rick Sanford was picked 25th overall by the New England Patriots.

    Other Gamecocks defensive stars like TJ Sanders, Kyle Kennard, and Demetrius Knight have also received strong NFL Draft grades, with some even pegged as first-round picks, though it’s unlikely any will go that high in April. Sanders, once projected as a first-round pick, now appears to be settling into a late second or early third-round selection.

    Running back Rocket Sanders and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune seem like locks to be selected, and several other Gamecocks, including defensive linemen Tonka Hemingway and tight end Josh Simon, also have a strong chance of hearing their names called.

    The 2025 NFL Draft will be held from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The first round will take place on Thursday, April 24th, with rounds two and three on Friday, April 25th, and the rest of the draft on Saturday, April 26th. You can catch all the action on NFL Network, ABC, and the ESPN family of networks, with streaming available on NFL.com and the ESPN app.

    Stay updated with all things Gamecocks on the go!

  • “That’s My Ray Ray”: Dawn Staley Praises South Carolina’s Raven Johnson’s All-Denim Look on Instagram

    In a heartwarming moment, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley left a glowing comment on Raven Johnson’s Instagram after the guard posted a stunning picture of herself in an all-denim outfit. Johnson, a key player for the Gamecocks this season, has been integral to the team’s success, including their big win over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Tournament final on March 9.

    Following the victory, Staley gave her team a well-deserved four-day break, and some of the Gamecocks stars, including Johnson, took to social media to share moments of celebration. In response to Johnson’s fashionable post, Staley commented, “Oooooh beautiful one! That’s my Ray Ray.”

    Chicago Sky star Kamilia Cardoso, who has been a close friend and teammate of Johnson for years, also reacted to the post with three love emojis. The two have played basketball together in AAU, at Syracuse, and later at South Carolina.

    Johnson’s Instagram post quickly garnered nearly 16,000 likes and 192 comments, mostly from fans praising her style and celebrating her success.

    But the fun will soon come to an end for Raven Johnson, as March Madness is fast approaching. The NCAA Tournament is set to begin with Selection Sunday on March 16, when the field of 68 teams for both the men’s and women’s tournaments will be announced. Coach Staley is hopeful that Johnson will continue her strong performance and help lead the Gamecocks through the NCAA Tournament.

    Raven Johnson has had a remarkable journey at South Carolina. Part of the 2021 recruiting class alongside Bree Hall and Sania Feagin, Johnson faced a tough setback when she tore her ACL in November of her freshman year. She was granted a redshirt year, allowing her to preserve her eligibility and return stronger the following season.

    Since her return, Johnson has steadily improved. In her first season back, she averaged 4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The next season, her stats surged to 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. This season, she’s averaging 4.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game—continuing to play an essential role for South Carolina as they head into the tournament.

  • UConn vs. South Carolina: Which Team Deserves the Final NCAA No. 1 Seed?

    In a major blow to Tennessee's NCAA hopes, the team suffered two losses to

    In a major blow to Tennessee’s NCAA hopes, the team suffered two losses to Vanderbilt—one during the regular season and another in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. Adding to their struggles, Tennessee dropped their final regular-season game to Georgia, an unranked team with a 13-17 record. These recent setbacks not only hurt Tennessee but also had an impact on UConn, as both teams head into the NCAA tournament in a slump rather than peaking.

    Shifting focus to South Carolina, the Gamecocks had a strong start to the season, similar to UConn, by defeating several top 25 teams before their conference play began. South Carolina first bested No. 9 NC State on Nov. 10, claiming a 71-57 win at a neutral site in Charlotte. They then dominated No. 15 Iowa State 76-36 at the Fort Myers Tipoff on Nov. 28, handled No. 8 Duke 81-70 at home in the ACC-SEC challenge on Dec. 5, and steamrolled No. 9 TCU 85-52 on Dec. 8 in Fort Worth, TX.

    In conference play, South Carolina kept up the momentum, defeating Texas 67-50 at home on Jan. 12, taking down No. 19 Alabama 76-58 on Jan. 16, and demolishing No. 13 Oklahoma 101-60 at home for We Back Pat week. The Gamecocks continued their success in January, earning victories over No. 5 LSU 65-55, No. 18 Tennessee 70-63 on the road, and No. 15 Kentucky 78-66 at home to finish the regular season strong.

    South Carolina’s only losses, aside from their defeat to UConn, came at the hands of No. 1 seeds UCLA (77-62 on Nov. 24) and Texas (66-62 in Austin on Feb. 9). However, both UCLA and Texas are now firmly entrenched as No. 1 seeds for the tournament, with UCLA winning the Big 10 conference tournament title and Texas claiming the SEC regular-season crown. In a measure of redemption, South Carolina managed to avenge their earlier loss to Texas, defeating them 64-45 in the SEC championship on March 9.

    As we head into March Madness, the final brackets will be revealed on Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. It would not be surprising to see South Carolina join UCLA, Texas, and USC as a No. 1 seed, with UConn, TCU, NC State, and Notre Dame likely joining the No. 2 seed ranks.

    Stay tuned and follow me on Twitter for live updates!

  • Dawn Staley Discusses How Chloe Kitts Is Meeting South Carolina’s Expectations

    Dawn Staley Discusses How Chloe Kitts Is Meeting South Carolina's Expectations

    In a statement-making performance, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team solidified their claim as the top seed for the NCAA Tournament with a commanding victory over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Conference Tournament championship on March 9.

    Junior forward Chloe Kitts was a standout in the game, contributing 15 points and 9 rebounds in just 30 minutes on the floor. Her exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned her the prestigious SEC Tournament MVP award.

    During a candid Q&A with WSLAM published on March 10, Kitts discussed the pressures of playing for such a storied program like South Carolina. “You have to realize that you go through highs and lows. Everyone goes through highs and lows. You might have a good stretch of games, you might have a horrible stretch of games. You just have to find a healthy balance and know that everything’s gonna be OK,” she shared.

    Clearly, Kitts has found that balance. On March 11, during her appearance on Carolina Calls, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley praised Kitts’ growth and tenacity, attributing her recent surge in performance to her unwavering dedication and training. “She’s a dawg playing this game,” Staley said, as shared in an X post by Michael Sauls of The State.

    Staley further remarked, “This is the Chloe we projected when we started recruiting her.”

    Kitts, notably, is one of three players on South Carolina’s current roster who did not participate in the McDonald’s All-American game. However, that decision was not due to a lack of skill, as Kitts was ranked as ESPN’s No. 17 player in her class. Instead, her early graduation from high school rendered her ineligible for the prestigious event.

    Now, with her “dawg” mentality in full force, the Gamecocks are counting on Kitts to help secure yet another National Championship trophy.

  • How Sania Feagin Became the Leader Dawn Staley Needed After Three Up-and-Down Seasons at South Carolina

    How Sania Feagin Became the Leader Dawn Staley Needed After Three Up-and-Down Seasons at South Carolina

    In a stunning turn of events, Sania Feagin, who had never taken a 3-point shot before, has become a key player for South Carolina in the championship game. Just a year ago, Feagin stepped up to make a crucial 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left in the third quarter against Texas. After the shot, a quick head nod and chest puff signified her confidence.

    Even with an elevated role this season, Feagin’s unwavering trust in her teammates has remained steadfast. In the semifinals against Oklahoma, freshman Joyce Edwards was struggling to find her rhythm. Despite Edwards’ visible frustration, Feagin reassured her, reminding her that the shots would eventually fall and to keep pushing forward.

    “She is such a gentle soul,” head coach Sherri Feagin said. “She’s so loving and caring. She really cares for her teammates, every last one of them. She would love for her teammates to excel, putting them before herself. She does things that make people better, things that don’t show up on the stat sheet—like lifting them up when they’re down. She’s a nourisher.”

    When Maddy McDaniel, another freshman in the class, visited as a recruit, Feagin took her under her wing before McDaniel had even committed. Upon arriving for her move-in day, Feagin was the first player to greet her.

    “She’s been there for me since the jump,” McDaniel shared.

    Feagin’s mother says that’s always been her way. “We used to call her the baby whisperer,” she said. “Babies love her. We’d turn around and she’d be holding a baby—anyone’s baby.”

    As Feagin approaches the final stretch of her college basketball career, with just a month remaining, her focus is on maintaining the strong form she’s exhibited during the latter half of the season. After battling through moments of doubt and emotional overthinking, Feagin has embraced a mindset that’s allowed her to thrive.

    “I went on a little run where my mind was just taking over me,” Feagin explained. “I realized that when you have a clear mind, nobody can stop you. I just emphasize keeping my mind straight.”

    By Sunday, those reflections transformed into joyous tears. Averaging 8.1 points this season, Feagin has scored in double digits 12 times. While Dawn Staley‘s team has never needed 30-point games from Feagin, what the coach has always required is exactly what Feagin is delivering: leadership, consistency, and defense.

    “It feels good to know I wanted my turn, I trusted the process,” Feagin said. “No matter what, I go out there and play the game I love. Be dominant, be a voice for my teammates.”

    This is Lulu Kesin, reporting live for The Greenville News and USA TODAY Network, covering South Carolina athletics.

  • Former Blackville-Hilda Star Troy Brown Inducted into S.C. Football Hall of Fame

    Former Blackville-Hilda star

    Live Report: South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Unveils Class of 2024 Inductees

    Greenville — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2024, highlighting a distinguished group of five individuals, including Troy Brown, the legendary former Blackville-Hilda standout and New England Patriot.

    The 12th annual enshrinement ceremony, scheduled for April 17, will see Brown inducted alongside Jim Carlen, Oliver “Buddy” Pough, Duce Staley, and Jim Stuckey.

    Brown, a Barnwell native, played for Marshall University before making his mark in the NFL with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl rings during his 15-season career. Known as one of the most versatile and respected players in NFL history, Brown remains the only player in league history with at least 550 receptions, 250 punt returns, and an interception. His leadership and remarkable skill set earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

    Carlen, a legacy inductee, served as the South Carolina Gamecocks’ head football coach and athletic director from 1975–1981. Under his leadership, the team secured 45 victories and recruited future Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. A two-time Southwest Conference Coach of the Year and the 1973 National Coach of the Year, Carlen’s influence on South Carolina football remains both historic and enduring. He also coached several Gamecock greats, including Rick Sanford, George Rogers, and Willie Scott—the program’s first first-round NFL Draft picks.

    Pough, a native of Orangeburg, spent over two decades as the head football coach at South Carolina State, where he became the all-time winningest coach in Bulldogs history. During his 21 seasons, he led his teams to 146 wins, eight MEAC titles, and five HBCU Football National Championships, culminating in a 2021 Celebration Bowl Championship.

    Staley, a West Columbia native, was a fan-favorite and star Gamecocks running back before having a successful NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, earning a Super Bowl XL ring. After transitioning to coaching, Staley won another Super Bowl, Super Bowl LII, with the Eagles. Currently serving as the Cleveland Browns’ running backs coach, Staley is also dedicated to community work through his Catch 22 Foundation, which supports single mothers across the region.

    This prestigious group will be celebrated for their exceptional contributions to South Carolina football during the enshrinement ceremony this April.

  • 4-Star QB Landon Duckworth Plans Official Visit to South Carolina

    4-Star QB Landon Duckworth Plans Official Visit to South Carolina

    Live Report: Four-Star QB Landon Duckworth’s Recruitment Heats Up as Senior Year Approaches

    In the world of college football recruiting, few names have been generating as much buzz as four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth. After decommitting from South Carolina last summer, the talented 6-foot-3, 190-pound signal-caller has seen his recruitment soar. Coming off a dominant junior season, Duckworth is gearing up for his senior year, ready to further elevate his stock before making a final decision on where to play college ball.

    Duckworth’s junior year stats are nothing short of impressive. He threw for 3,109 yards and 34 touchdowns, while also adding 631 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in just 14 games. Over the course of his high school career, the state champion quarterback has accumulated over 6,400 passing yards and 80 total touchdowns across 30 games.

    Looking ahead, Duckworth has mapped out his official visit schedule, confirming his trips to his top four schools. He will first visit Georgia on May 30, followed by South Carolina on June 6, Florida State on June 13, and finally Ole Miss on June 20.

    In a recent interview with On3’s Chad Simmons, Duckworth shared his thoughts on the recruiting process. “There are some other schools I’m considering, but Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida State are my main focus right now,” he said. “All of them are recruiting me hard, and they want me on campus this spring, so I’m planning to take official visits to all four.”

    While South Carolina has worked hard to maintain a strong relationship with Duckworth in hopes of bringing him back into the fold, the Gamecocks are far from alone in their pursuit. Other powerhouse programs are also heavily involved in the race.

    When asked about his commitment timeline, Duckworth was clear: “If I’m ready to commit before the season, I will,” he explained. “But if not, I’ll wait. What’s most important to me is the atmosphere of the school, how the coaches treat me, the offensive system, and the background of the staff in developing quarterbacks.”

    As the summer draws closer, all eyes will be on this highly coveted recruit and his final decision on where he will take his talents next. The countdown to his commitment continues.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Bree Hall and Tessa Johnson Lead the Gamecocks to Elite Defense

    In what can only be described as a textbook example of championship defense, South

    In what can only be described as a textbook example of championship defense, South Carolina’s run through the SEC Tournament showcased why the adage “defense wins championships” could have been coined specifically for the Gamecocks. This year’s team may not have the same dominant shot-blocking presence as in years past, but their defensive intensity was nothing short of exceptional.

    Traditionally, South Carolina’s defense has been anchored by elite shot-blockers, with the team holding the top three shot-blocking seasons in NCAA history over the last six years. But with the departure of Kamilla Cardoso (to the WNBA) and Ashlyn Watkins (who is out with a torn ACL), the Gamecocks have had to adjust. And adjust they did—flawlessly.

    In their three SEC Tournament games, South Carolina faced teams with some of the highest-scoring offenses in the nation—Oklahoma (85.5 points per game), Vanderbilt (83.6), and Texas (80.0). Despite that, the Gamecocks limited those teams to just 61 points per game on 35.8% shooting. They also set new SEC championship records for the fewest points allowed (45), fewest points in a half (16), second-fewest field goals made (16), and fourth-lowest field goal percentage (29.6%).

    The Gamecocks’ defensive success, however, is no longer solely dependent on a singular shot-blocker. Instead, Bree Hall and Tessa Johnson have emerged as the defensive backbone for the team. Hall, who stepped into the role of South Carolina’s top perimeter defender last season after Brea Beal’s departure, and Johnson, who is poised to take over next season, were instrumental in this tournament’s success.

    Against some of the country’s best scorers, Hall and Johnson more than held their own. They focused on efficiency, making it hard for players to get into scoring positions, rather than just focusing on limiting their point totals. Against Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, who scored 50 or more points this season, they held her to just 20 points on 5-of-15 shooting. In many instances, Blakes didn’t even get another touch after giving up the ball.

    “She’s going to score. It’s our job to make it harder for her to score and try as best as we can to limit her production out there,” Johnson shared. After hearing Blakes’ shooting stats, Johnson simply said, “We did our job.”

    Oklahoma’s Payton Verhulst was the only player who found consistent success, scoring 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. But in the championship game against SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker, the Gamecocks made sure Booker was a non-factor. Booker finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but seven of her points came in the final quarter after the game had already been decided. For the first three quarters, Booker was 1-of-7 shooting with two turnovers and finished just 4-of-13 from the field. She also failed to register a single assist.

    South Carolina had Booker’s number throughout the season. In their first matchup, she struggled to just seven points on 3-of-19 shooting. In their February encounter in Austin, Booker scored 20 points, but still shot just 7-of-22. By the end of the SEC Tournament, Booker finished the season shooting a dismal 25.9% against the Gamecocks. Hall reacted to those numbers with a grin, saying, “Love that. 25% is crazy.”

    Hall, reflecting on the earlier encounters, noted that while Booker missed open shots in the first game, the Gamecocks were quick to take advantage of those opportunities. And after the second game, when Booker reportedly claimed that Hall couldn’t guard her, Hall took it personally: “It was a lot of extra motivation,” she said. “A lot of people had a lot of things to say after we lost to Texas the last time.”

    Coach Dawn Staley knew that Hall was fired up going into the championship game. In the morning shootaround, she could see Hall was locked in. “You have someone like a Breezy Hall, we were going over some of their high-frequency sets at shootaround. It was a set that most teams run. I asked them if they wanted to go through it. They were like, ‘No, give us the hard stuff, give us the hard sets.’ She was locked into the game plan and wanted to know what she needed to do in order for her to help us win another championship.”

    It wasn’t just Hall—Johnson’s defensive effort was equally important. The duo frequently rotated to keep fresh legs on Booker, who played 36 minutes. They also took the opportunity to help each other out, sharing insights and making adjustments.

    “She came out today and she was telling me about Booker because that was her matchup. I was watching it and she was helping me out, giving me advice,” Johnson said.

    For Hall, the focus is always on teamwork, and she was quick to credit Johnson. “I didn’t do it alone. Tessa did a great job, taking some time on her and defending her.”

    Despite their similar roles, there’s been no tension between Hall and Johnson. In fact, the two have developed a mentor-mentee relationship, which speaks volumes about the culture within South Carolina’s program. When Hall was asked about mentoring “the new you” in Johnson, she responded with pride. “I definitely help her out,” Hall said. “She is always asking questions on the sidelines. What should she do with this certain screen or that certain screen. I feel like I am knowledgeable enough to know some of the things she is asking.”

    Johnson’s evolution as a defender has been remarkable. At the start of her freshman season, defense was a weakness. But this year, she’s been a reliable defender, expecting to shut down opponents rather than simply hoping to contain them.

    “My defense has evolved more mentally than anything,” Johnson said. “I go into a game and I’m not like, oh this player might get by me, this player might score on me. I want to guard the best player or hot hand, whatever it is. I want that challenge. That changed my mindset and helped me become a better defender.”

    Looking ahead, South Carolina is poised to be a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The full bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Gamecocks are primed for another deep run, led by their elite defense and championship mentality.