South Carolina Women’s Basketball: The 3-2-1 – Key Players, Crucial Questions, and a Top Play from the SEC Tournament

South Carolina claimed their third consecutive SEC Tournament title, defeating Texas in a thrilling rubber match. Here’s a breakdown of key performances, burning questions, and standout moments from the weekend in Greenville.

Three Clutch Players to Note

While Chloe Kitts (MVP), Sania Feagin, and MiLaysia Fulwiley earned spots on the SEC All-Tournament Team, there were other players whose efforts were just as crucial to the Gamecocks’ success.

Bree Hall/Tessa Johnson
Against Vanderbilt: Hall contributed 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block, while Johnson had 4 points, a rebound, and a steal.
Against Oklahoma: Hall added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and a block, while Johnson tallied 11 points, 5 rebounds, a block, and an assist.
Against Texas: Hall scored 2 points with 3 rebounds, while Johnson stepped up with 14 points, an assist, a steal, and a block.

This duo deserves recognition for their energy and versatility, constantly rotating to stay fresh. They were tasked with guarding tough opponents like Mikayla Blakes (SEC Freshman of the Year), Payton Verhulst (Second-team All-SEC), and Madison Booker (SEC Player of the Year). Hall and Johnson’s efforts made a significant impact in all three games.

Joyce Edwards

Against Vanderbilt: Edwards played 21 minutes, scoring 12 points with 4 rebounds, 2 steals, a block, and an assist.
Against Oklahoma: Edwards played 29 minutes, contributing 21 points and 5 rebounds.
Against Texas: Edwards logged 22 minutes, scoring 11 points with 3 rebounds, a block, a steal, and an assist.

While Edwards didn’t make the All-Tournament Team, her performance was integral. Her speed and tenacity in the paint helped South Carolina defend against bigger teams, particularly the Sooners and Longhorns. She was also adept at drawing fouls, converting free throws efficiently.

Maryam Dauda

Against Vanderbilt: Dauda played 3 minutes, contributing 2 points and 2 rebounds.
Against Oklahoma: She played 12 minutes, recording 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and an assist.
Against Texas: Dauda played just 1 minute but didn’t accumulate stats.

Though Dauda didn’t see extensive minutes, her brief but effective play was pivotal, especially in defending All-SEC post Raegan Beers in the semifinals. Her performance added depth to a frontcourt that has been thin throughout the season.

Two Burning Questions

1. Can South Carolina carry this momentum into the NCAA Tournament?
That’s the million-dollar question—well, $500,000, considering Dawn Staley’s bonus for winning the national championship. The Gamecocks showed they have what it takes to win it all, playing at an elite level similar to their dominance in December and January. However, there’s also a version of the team that struggled in November and February, with losses to UCLA, Texas, and UConn. Whether South Carolina can consistently maintain this form is uncertain, but only time will tell.

2. What will South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament seed be?
The answer here is clearer: South Carolina should secure either the first or second overall seed. The distinction between the two positions isn’t significant this year. As a #1 seed, the Gamecocks will likely play in the Birmingham region and follow the Friday/Sunday schedule, which would give them an advantageous bracket, an easier travel schedule for fans, and an additional day of rest before a potential Final Four matchup.

One Favorite Play

A standout moment occurred when Sania Feagin forced a crucial miss by Kyla Oldacre. The sequence began with Feagin’s stellar defense, but the video cuts off just before this pivotal play. Regardless, it was clear in that moment—Texas had no chance.