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  • Former South Carolina playmaker shares his predictions for Gamecocks’ rising stars as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft

    Former South Carolina playmaker shares his predictions for Gamecocks' rising stars as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft.The South Carolina Gamecocks are coming off their best season in the College Football Playoff era—finishing 2024 ranked 15th in the nation, just shy of making the playoff cut. Shane Beamer finally managed to harness the immense potential of his team, delivering a season to remember. But with several key players now heading to the NFL, the burning question is: can South Carolina repeat or even improve on that success in 2025?

    One player who certainly believes they can is Joshua Simon, last season’s standout tight end and the focal point of the Gamecocks’ receiving game. I caught up with Simon at the NFL Combine, and his insights were impressive—not that it would surprise any South Carolina fan. Simon spoke about how the variety of schemes he played in, including the pro-style offense under Dowell Loggains in recent years, helped prepare him for the next level.

    However, instead of focusing solely on himself, Simon was quick to praise his teammates and coaches, particularly Shane Beamer, for the role they played in his college success. And when I asked him about South Carolina’s prospects for 2025 and which players he thought would step up this season, he was notably optimistic about several returnees. Most of the names were familiar, but one particular player stood out.

    While much of the attention is on quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Mazeo Bennett and Nyck Harbor—both of whom began to break out in 2024—Simon highlighted a surprising name: Jawarn Howell. Howell, a young running back who only had 20 touches last season, is someone Simon believes could make a major impact. With Raheim “Rocket” Sanders moving on, South Carolina is looking for a new star in the backfield. While Rahsul Faison, a transfer from Utah State, and veteran Oscar Adaway are expected to take the first snaps, Simon is particularly high on Howell as a younger, potentially more explosive option.

    But it’s not just the offense that needs fresh faces. The defense, too, faces significant changes with the departure of All-American safety Nick Emmanwori and much of the defensive front, including Kyle Kennard, T.J. Sanders, and Tonka Hemingway. The pressure will be on sophomore Dylan Stewart, who has the potential to be one of the nation’s best edge rushers, and veterans like Jalon Kilgore and Vicari Swain to lock things down on the back end.

    Looking ahead, South Carolina’s schedule is tough, especially with their final seven games of 2025 featuring powerhouse teams like LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Clemson. The Gamecocks will certainly need these emerging stars to step up if they hope to replicate, or even exceed, last season’s performance.

  • How is Alabama football shaping up after Week 1 of spring practice? 7 Key Takeaways for the Crimson Tide

    It’s the end of the first week of Alabama football’s spring practice, and the CrimsoIt’s the end of the first week of Alabama football's spring practice, and the Crimson Tide is now on a break for spring break. With the University of Alabama out of session, the team will pause practices from March 10-14, resuming on March 18. After just three practices, the team has already gained some clarity on what it might look like come August 30, when it faces Florida State in the season opener.

    As the Crimson Tide heads into the next phase of spring practice, here are seven major storylines to follow.

    Quarterback Battle Still Ongoing

    All eyes are on the quarterback competition, where Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are vying for the top spot. Despite the intensity of the battle, head coach DeBoer remains unfazed, noting that the first few practices showed flashes of potential from all three players. While Simpson is viewed as the front-runner due to his experience, DeBoer emphasized that no decisions have been made yet. “There’s no rush to make anything official,” said DeBoer, reflecting the team’s approach to the situation. Based on early observations, the depth chart seems to be forming as: Simpson, Mack, then Russell.

    Looking Toward 2025

    Alabama’s coaching staff, including DeBoer, Grubb, and Wommack, has high expectations for the 2025 recruiting class. Players like Russell, offensive lineman Michael Carroll, and defensive back Dijon Lee have already earned considerable praise. With a tough 2025 opener against Florida State looming, experience will be crucial. Wommack even referred to the Tide’s efforts in the offseason as “the best recruiting job,” signaling how important veteran leadership will be in 2025.

    Wide Receiver Group Is Becoming a Strength

    Alabama’s receiving corps is shaping up to be one of the team’s stronger units. Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard have emerged as the top targets, but others like Isaiah Horton, Jalen Hale, Derek Meadows, and Lotzeir Brooks are also making strides. With a competitive quarterback battle still unfolding, there’s an increasing belief that the wide receiver room will be a key strength for the team moving into 2025.

    Concerns on the Offensive Line

    Alabama’s offensive line depth is being severely tested this spring. Due to injuries and absences, the Crimson Tide has had to make do with a patchwork unit. With Kadyn Proctor in a non-contact jersey and Wilkin Formby absent, Alabama has had to shuffle players like Jaeden Roberts and Parker Brailsford into prominent roles. Casey Poe has also been getting reps at right tackle, and true freshmen Jackson Lloyd and Mal Waldrep Jr. are pushing for playing time. While the spring is intended for development, it’s clear that Alabama’s offensive line depth is thin, and the team is feeling that pressure.

    A Familiar Coaching Staff on Offense

    The Alabama offensive coaching staff is back in action, and there’s an unmistakable comfort level between DeBoer, Grubb, Nick Sheridan, and JaMarcus Shephard. The group’s synergy has helped make play-calling look effortless, and it’s clear that the team isn’t expecting many changes in the offensive system. Grubb mentioned that it’s still DeBoer’s offense, with just a few “wrinkles” that he’s added. This stability among the coaching staff should give the Crimson Tide an edge as they navigate a high-profile quarterback competition.

    Defensive Tackle Depth Is Thin

    Much like the offensive line, Alabama’s interior defensive line is facing its own depth concerns. According to Wommack, this area of the team is one of the biggest “depth concerns” this spring. While Tim Keenan III and James Smith are set as starters, Alabama lacks proven depth behind them. Players like Edric Hill, Jeremiah Beaman, and Steve Mboumoua are stepping up, but many are unproven at the collegiate level. Kelby Collins and Jordan Renaud, both members of the Bandit position group, are also cross-training at defensive tackle. Wommack was clear: if the development doesn’t happen, Alabama will “address those needs in any way we need to.”

    The Defense Appears Set – For the Most Part

    Aside from a few question marks on the defensive line and at the Husky position, much of Alabama’s defense is already taking shape. While Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson are sidelined with injuries, both are expected to play significant roles at linebacker. Additionally, Nikhai Hill-Green, a Colorado transfer, has stepped in as a leader in a relatively inexperienced group. Keon Sabb, Domani Jackson, and James Smith round out a defense that seems relatively set heading into the season. But the depth behind these key starters is something that’s still in the works, with Alabama hoping to solidify that depth during these spring practices.

    Stay tuned as Alabama continues to build its roster and prepares for the season opener against Florida State on August 30.

  • South Carolina limits Texas to record-low point total in first half of SEC Championship

    In the SEC Tournament, the final matchup fans anticipated came to fruition as No. 1 South Carolina and No. 2 Texas faced off once again in Greenville. However, it was clear early on that this third game between the two teams was firmly in the hands of the Gamecocks.

    South Carolina dominated the first half, heading into the break with a commanding 33-16 lead over the Longhorns. The 16 points scored by Texas marked the fewest-ever points in a half in an SEC Championship game.

    The Longhorns struggled significantly with their shooting, converting just 8 of 27 attempts (29.6% from the field). Texas was only down by two points after the opening quarter, having managed 10 points on 33% shooting. But things quickly unraveled from there as the Longhorns managed only 6 more points at a dismal 25% shooting in the second quarter, allowing South Carolina to push their lead to 17.

    We’ll continue to update this report as more unfolds.

    Now, shifting to the latest from the 2024-2025 Women’s Basketball Transfer Portal, it has become a crucial aspect of college athletics, and women’s basketball is no exception. Last year, notable players such as Deja Kelly, Georgia Amoore, Kaylene Smikle, and Hailey van Lith made waves by entering the portal and securing new teams. This year, the movement continues, with several athletes already declaring their intent to transfer.

    On3 is closely tracking all of these movements and will be updating the list regularly. As of now, there have been 40 entries, with 4 confirmed commitments. Notably, there have been no withdrawals yet.

    For instance, Aislin Malcolm, a 5-10 guard from Pittsburgh, is transferring to Robert Morris, while Aliyah Matharu, a standout senior guard from Florida, has committed to Baylor for the 2024-25 season.

    This is just a snapshot of the ongoing activity, and more names will surely follow. Be sure to check back for the latest updates.

    More news….

    South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts Named SEC Player of the Week

    South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts Named SEC Player of the Week

    In a standout performance on Monday, Chloe Kitts, forward for South Carolina women’s basketball, was named the SEC Player of the Week. This recognition follows her remarkable achievement of securing just the ninth triple-double in Gamecock history during a win against Ole Miss. Kitts then followed up with a dominant double-double against Kentucky, leading USC to victories in both games.

    In her historic triple-double, Kitts recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, with the 10 assists marking a career-high — doubling her previous best. Her 13 rebounds were just one shy of her personal best. This triple-double is the first for South Carolina since Aliyah Boston achieved the feat during the 2020-2021 season.

    For the week, Kitts averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, helping to propel South Carolina to a share of the SEC regular season title. This marks the third consecutive year Kitts has been part of a team that has claimed the regular season championship.

    Looking ahead, Kitts and the Gamecocks will head to Greenville, South Carolina, for the SEC Tournament. Thanks to a coin flip tiebreaker, USC will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and will have a double-bye, meaning their first game will be on Friday.

    If they secure the SEC Tournament title, it would be the fourth consecutive championship for the program and likely solidify their spot as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

    Stay updated on South Carolina women’s basketball over at The Insiders Forum!

     

  • South Carolina basketball commit excels in first two games of OTE championship

    The Overtime Elite Championship, South Carolina basketball commit Eli Ellis and his YNG Dreamerz squad are making waves in a thrilling series against the City Reapers. Alongside fellow Gamecock commit Hayden Assemian and class of 2026 targets Isaac Ellis and Kohl Rosario, Eli has been a standout, with all four players contributing significantly in the first two games. However, it’s Eli Ellis who has truly stolen the spotlight.

    In this best-of-five series, which is currently tied 1-1, Ellis has been the top offensive force, outshining numerous other elite college prospects. In Game 1, despite a controversial ejection, Ellis still managed to rack up 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting in just 20 minutes of play. The ejection followed some heated exchanges, including a confrontation with Amari Evans, a Tennessee commit, after a few City Reapers players threw elbows. As a result, both Assemian and Ellis were ejected from the game.

    Game 2 saw Ellis elevate his performance even further, scoring a remarkable 47 points while shooting 63%. He and his younger brother Isaac Ellis combined for 72 of their team’s 79 points. Unfortunately, the rest of the team struggled, making only three field goals in total, which led to a loss.

    Across the first two games, Eli has shown an incredible ability to score in various ways—whether it’s finishing inside, hitting 8-of-15 from beyond the arc, or knocking down shots off the dribble with defenders tightly guarding him. If he can translate this offensive brilliance to the collegiate level, South Carolina fans can expect to see plenty of excitement in the coming years.

    As for the next chapter of the series, the Ellis brothers will have to wait until March 13th for the next game. The remaining matches—Games 3 through 5—will be streamed live on Overtime Elite’s YouTube channel.

    More news…..

    Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

    The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

    Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

    “They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

    As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

    The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • South Carolina’s Projected March Madness Bracket Following Win Over Oklahoma in SEC Tournament

    South Carolina's Projected March Madness Bracket Following Win Over Oklahoma in SEC Tournament

    South Carolina women’s basketball has made history by advancing to its sixth consecutive SEC Tournament championship game, setting a new conference record. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks defeated No. 5 Oklahoma 93-75 on Saturday, securing their 29th win of the 2024-25 season. South Carolina will face second-seeded Texas (31-2) in the championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.

    Following the victory, Coach Dawn Staley spoke to the ESPN College GameDay team and made her feelings clear regarding the NCAA Tournament seeding, which will be finalized on March 16.

    “We play the best schedule in the country, we have the toughest schedule,” Staley said. “Did we have a bad game vs. Connecticut? Sure. But don’t discount what we did all season long.”

    How the Win Affects South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Seed

    Right after Staley’s comments, ESPN’s Charlie Creme, who has been tracking NCAA Tournament projections for the past two months, weighed in on the Gamecocks’ seeding. “Coach, your No. 1 seed is solidified,” Creme said. “Don’t worry about it, get a good night’s sleep, try to win tomorrow’s game, but it won’t matter if you win Sunday as far as the No. 1 seed goes.”

    Initially, Creme had projected South Carolina (29-3) as a No. 2 seed in Spokane, Washington, after their loss to UConn on February 16. However, he has since moved them back to a consistent No. 1 seed in the Birmingham region.

    As of 5:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, ESPN’s latest projections placed South Carolina as a No. 1 seed, with the Gamecocks hosting in Columbia for the Birmingham 4 Region. Creme’s bracket had Illinois (No. 8), Richmond (No. 9), and the winner of a First Four game between UNC Greensboro and High Point (No. 16) set to join South Carolina in the region.

    With Oklahoma (25-7) ranked No. 10, South Carolina’s dominant win over the Sooners was a significant factor in impressing bracketologists, but a third straight SEC Tournament championship would likely seal the Gamecocks’ No. 1 seed for March Madness.

    Previous news….

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball Preview of SEC Game Against Oklahoma

    The South Carolina Gamecocks breezed through their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt, but Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma promises to be a much tighter affair.

    As the SEC Women’s Tournament enters its semifinal phase, the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face off against the No. 5 overall seed, Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in women’s college basketball, making this game a highly anticipated showdown.

    South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Prediction: ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Gamecocks an 86.6% chance to win, while the Sooners are given a 13.6% chance.

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Betting Line Update: According to FanDuel, South Carolina enters as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total set at 152.5 points.

    Oklahoma’s head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, shared her thoughts on how to slow down the powerhouse Gamecocks, saying, “Well, I don’t know that. I don’t know, they are so good. It’s a game of runs and South Carolina is so good. And how many times have they played in this building, I just want us to come out here to compete.” She continued, “You don’t stop them, you just try to do the best you can.”

    How to Watch: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma

    • GameDay: Saturday, March 8th
    • Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
    • Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
    • Broadcast: SEC Network+

  • “LaNorris Sellers…that boy strong”: NFL Combine Prospects Praise South Carolina Quarterback

    LaNorris Sellers

    All eyes are on LaNorris Sellers this offseason, as the rising redshirt sophomore quarterback for South Carolina has made a name for himself on almost every preseason list and in offseason predictions. Although Sellers wasn’t physically present at last week’s NFL Combine, his name still came up during interviews, as his peers showered him with praise.

    CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson spoke with a group of anticipated early-round draft picks, and when asked about the toughest quarterbacks they faced, Shemar Stewart, the standout pass rusher for Texas A&M, was quick to name Sellers. Stewart, who felt the full force of one of Sellers’ best performances in 2024, said, “LaNorris Sellers…Man, he is prime-time Cam (Newton)!” He continued, “That boy strong, I ain’t going to lie to you. I don’t know what they’re feeding him over there.”

    Later, Nic Scourton, another Texas A&M teammate, gave a more humorous response when discussing Sellers. “He’s talented. I really dislike that guy. Nothing against him as a person—I’ve heard he’s a really good person—but I really dislike him.” Scourton explained his “dislike” by mentioning how difficult it is for defenders to bring Sellers down, adding that Sellers causes problems for defenders on the field.

    Wilson then turned to someone who doesn’t have to tackle Sellers—Nick Emmanwori, another South Carolina star and potential first-round draft pick. Emmanwori reaffirmed his November claim that Sellers is the best quarterback in the nation, adding even more praise: “LaNorris…he’s a dude, man. When I first seen him play in high school, I immediately thought he was like Cam Newton. I ain’t never seen nothing like it…you can’t tackle him. As he grows and develops, he’s going to become LaHeisman. That’s what I call him.”

    While Stewart, Scourton, and Emmanwori are all expected to be early picks in this year’s NFL Draft, Sellers is still ineligible, though he could declare for the draft after the 2025 season if he chooses. He still has up to three more years of eligibility remaining, making him a highly sought-after prospect down the road.

    For now, Sellers and the Gamecocks have 176 days to prepare for their next challenge. In the 2025 season opener, South Carolina will face the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta. With their eyes set on the College Football Playoff, if the Gamecocks do make that leap, it will be, in large part, thanks to LaNorris Sellers.

  • Dawn Staley Appeals to NCAA Selection Committee for South Carolina’s No. 1 Seed

    The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has secured a spot in the SEC Conference Tournament championship game after a commanding 93-75 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday. The Gamecocks will face the winner of the highly anticipated matchup between No. 9 ranked LSU and No. 1 ranked Texas, who they edged out for the SEC Tournament’s top seed after a coin toss. The final will take place on Sunday.

    Head coach Dawn Staley and her team have established themselves as one of the premier squads in the country. However, with three regular-season losses—the most by any of Staley’s teams since the 2020-21 season—their No. 1 seed status in the NCAA Tournament still appears to be uncertain, especially if they fall short in the SEC Tournament.

    Nonetheless, Staley made a strong case for why the Gamecocks deserve a No. 1 seed during a post-game interview on ESPN.

    “It’s not us. It’s the NCAA Selection Committee that has to decide,” Staley said, according to an X post from Chaz R. Frazier of ABC Columbia. “We play the best schedule in the country, we had the toughest schedule. Did we have a bad game against Connecticut? Sure. But don’t discount what we did all season long. Don’t do that. It ain’t that time to do that.”

    Staley continued, emphasizing the strength of the Gamecocks’ schedule: “We go out and we play the toughest schedule, manufactured so we can get a No. 1 seed, if not the overall No. 1 seed. So we put ourselves in a position by getting to the [SEC Tournament] finals, and hopefully whatever team ends up winning [the Texas vs. LSU] game, we can solidify our No. 1 seed.”

    Shortly after, ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme weighed in, reassuring Staley, saying, “Coach, your 1 seed is solidified. Don’t worry about it. Get a good night’s sleep, try to win tomorrow’s game, but it won’t matter whether you win tomorrow’s game as far as the No. 1 seed thing goes.”

    Staley delivered a final message to the NCAA Selection Committee, stating, “Did we have a bad game vs. Connecticut? Sure. But don’t discount what we did all season long.”

     

  • SEC Tournament Semifinals: South Carolina Defeats Oklahoma 93-75

    SEC Tournament Semifinals: South Carolina Defeats Oklahoma 93-75The Lady Gamecocks are heading to the SEC Championship game after a dominant 93-75 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the semifinal round. This victory further solidifies their impressive season in the SEC, with their only loss being to Texas during the regular season. South Carolina will face the winner of the LSU vs. Texas matchup in the final.

    Having finished the regular season with a 15-1 conference record, South Carolina shared the SEC regular season title with Texas. A coin flip ultimately awarded the Gamecocks the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

    In the semifinal clash, Joyce Edwards was a standout, scoring 21 points and grabbing five rebounds. MiLaysia Fulwiley contributed 19 points, while Sania Feagin added 14 points to the scoreline.

    South Carolina is now in pursuit of their third consecutive conference title, having won four of the last five championships, with the exception of the 2022 season. As the defending national champions, the Gamecocks are positioning themselves for a strong NCAA Tournament run.

    The SEC Championship game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

    Previous news…..

    Recent Ranking Changes Elevate South Carolina Football Target to 4-Star Status

    South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

    We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

    Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

    Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

    As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.

  • Dawn Staley Shares 6-Word Verdict on Chloe Kitts Following South Carolina’s SEC Tournament Win

    the team showcased their dominance with an 84-63 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on March 7.

    The standout performer for South Carolina was junior forward Chloe Kitts, who had an extraordinary outing, scoring a game-high 25 points. Kitts was highly efficient, shooting 12 of 14 from the field, and also contributed 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in just 29 minutes of play.

    While the Gamecocks are known for their balanced offensive approach, where it’s hard to predict who will lead the charge each game, they always seem to thrive when Kitts is at her best. Head coach Dawn Staley touched on this during her postgame remarks.

    “This is really who Chloe is,” Staley said, according to an X post by Chaz R. Frazier of ABC Columbia.

    “[She’s] starting to play very consistent basketball. She wants the ball in her hands, she wants to be a playmaker, she wants to be the one that can score it or dish it to a teammate. I thought her teammates did a really good job at finding her, I thought she did a really good job of just making a play,” Staley explained.

    Staley went on to emphasize Kitts’ mental and physical strength, pointing out that the forward had delivered when her team needed her most. “We called her number, and she delivered for us. I would imagine that this is kind of how she envisioned her entire season going, but it didn’t go that way. I mean, it was a little bit up and down, inconsistent. But Chloe is strong enough mentally, physically, to be able to handle the rigors of this league.”

    In closing, Staley reflected on the challenges of maintaining consistency in such a demanding season. “No one’s going to just kill it every single night. But if you don’t have the mental fortitude to stay with it through the ups and the downs, you won’t see consistent play like this at any point of the season.”

    As the Gamecocks continue their postseason journey, Staley and fans alike will be hoping for more of the same from Kitts as she looks to keep her game on track.

  • OU Women’s Basketball Loses to South Carolina 93-75

    Reporting live on No. 10 Oklahoma’s tough 93-75 loss to No. 5 South Carolina in the semifinal round at Bon Secours Wellness Arena today.

    Here are the key takeaways from the game:

    Perimeter Defense: Oklahoma came into this game with strong perimeter defense, and they lived up to the reputation. South Carolina, which had averaged 33.5% shooting from three-point range this season, struggled throughout the game. The Gamecocks attempted 15 threes but only managed to make two, resulting in a dismal 13.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

    However, despite their strong perimeter defense, Oklahoma racked up 22 personal fouls, which allowed South Carolina to capitalize and score 19 points off free throws.

    Payton Verhulst Shines: Despite the loss, senior guard Payton Verhulst was a standout performer for the Sooners. Verhulst led Oklahoma’s scoring efforts, finishing with 15 points. She was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting three of six three-point attempts. Her shooting percentage from deep this season sits at 35.3%.

    Not just a scorer, Verhulst contributed in other areas too—delivering nine assists and securing six rebounds, showing off her all-around game.

    South Carolina’s Dominant Defense: On the other side of the court, South Carolina’s defense proved to be a major hurdle for Oklahoma. The Sooners’ offense had a rough time, plagued by turnovers—a recurring issue for them this season. The Gamecocks took full advantage of this, forcing Oklahoma into 16 turnovers and converting those into 22 points.

    South Carolina’s defense was also relentless in terms of steals and blocks, swiping the ball seven times and blocking six shots from the Sooners.

    Looking ahead, Oklahoma will head back to Norman, where they’ll prepare for their first game of March Madness at the Lloyd Noble Center.

    That’s all from here. Stay tuned for further updates!

    More news…..

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball Preview of SEC Game Against Oklahoma

    The South Carolina Gamecocks breezed through their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt, but Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma promises to be a much tighter affair.

    As the SEC Women’s Tournament enters its semifinal phase, the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face off against the No. 5 overall seed, Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in women’s college basketball, making this game a highly anticipated showdown.

    South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Prediction: ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Gamecocks an 86.6% chance to win, while the Sooners are given a 13.6% chance.

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Betting Line Update: According to FanDuel, South Carolina enters as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total set at 152.5 points.

    Oklahoma’s head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, shared her thoughts on how to slow down the powerhouse Gamecocks, saying, “Well, I don’t know that. I don’t know, they are so good. It’s a game of runs and South Carolina is so good. And how many times have they played in this building, I just want us to come out here to compete.” She continued, “You don’t stop them, you just try to do the best you can.”

    How to Watch: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma

    • GameDay: Saturday, March 8th
    • Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
    • Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
    • Broadcast: SEC Network+