South Carolina Set to Honor Senior Class in Final Home Game, Eyes Dominant Finish
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Women’s Basketball will celebrate its senior class ahead of their final home game, spotlighting Sania Feagin, Bree Hall, and Raven Johnson from the 2021 signing class. This elite group has played in every NCAA Final Four of their careers, securing National Championships in 2022 and 2024, while also claiming three consecutive SEC regular-season titles and two SEC Tournament championships. Their 135 career wins are the most by any four-year class in Gamecock history, including 41 victories over ranked opponents.
Dominating the National Rankings
South Carolina continues to lead the nation with nine wins over ranked opponents, including two against top-five teams and five against top-10 programs—the best mark in the country. The Gamecocks’ opponents have held an average ranking of 11.2, second only to Notre Dame’s 10.7. While both teams have three losses this season, all of South Carolina’s defeats have come against top-10 competition, with two on the road.
Shooting efficiency remains a Gamecock strength, as they have hit 45.0% from the field in 12 games against ranked teams, just shy of their season average of 46.3%—which ranks 25th nationally.
Defensively, South Carolina has held opponents under 60 points in 17 games, including nine SEC matchups and six of their 12 games against ranked teams.
Standout Performances
- Chloe Kitts (Junior) – Over the last three games, she has averaged a double-double (10.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG), highlighted by a triple-double against Ole Miss. She currently ranks 9th in the SEC in rebounding (7.82 RPG) and 8th in offensive rebounds (2.93 RPG).
- Raven Johnson & Te-Hina Paopao – The only SEC teammates to rank in the top 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio. Johnson leads the league (3.33), while Paopao is fourth (2.13), helping South Carolina post a conference-best 1.44 assist-to-turnover ratio.
- Joyce Edwards (Freshman) – Scored double figures in five straight games and 12 of her 15 SEC appearances. Her 56.7% field goal percentage ranks 25th nationally and rises to 58.9% in SEC play, second-best in the conference.
By the Numbers
- 4 – Four Gamecocks have averaged at least 10 points per game over the last three contests.
- 41.9 – South Carolina leads the nation with 41.9 points in the paint per game.
- 61 – Feagin, Hall, and Johnson have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll for 61 of a possible 76 weeks during their careers.
Series vs. Kentucky
South Carolina holds a 41-35 all-time record against Kentucky, with a 25-11 advantage under Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks have won the last four matchups, including dominant wins last season:
- 103-55 in Lexington (Feb. 25, 2024)
- 98-36 in Columbia (Jan. 15, 2024)
In those games, MiLaysia Fulwiley averaged 15.5 PPG on 7-of-12 shooting.
Shot-Blocking Prowess
South Carolina remains one of the nation’s top shot-blocking teams, despite losing star shot-blocker Ashlyn Watkins to injury.
- 5th nationally with 5.8 blocks per game, including 2.03 blocks per game from their guards.
- Sania Feagin leads the team and ranks 6th in the SEC with 1.59 blocks per game, increasing to 2.07 in conference play, the 2nd-best mark in the SEC.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley is the top shot-blocking guard in the SEC, averaging 0.87 blocks per conference game.
Senior Spotlight: Feagin & Hall
- Sania Feagin – A defensive anchor, Feagin directs the Gamecock defense, ranking 6th in the SEC in blocks per game (1.59) and 2nd in conference play (2.07). She is posting career-highs of 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in her first season as a full-time starter.
- Bree Hall – Known for her defensive effort and clutch shooting, Hall averages 6.4 PPG, including 7.0 over the last three games. Her understanding of the system makes her a valuable leader who requires minimal coaching guidance.
The ‘Revenge Tour’ Continues for Raven Johnson
A key piece of South Carolina’s National Championship run, Raven Johnson is living up to her Naismith and Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year watch list nominations.
While her scoring numbers have dipped, she remains one of South Carolina’s most impactful players:
- Leads the team in assists (3.0 APG), ranking 8th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.93).
- Top rebounding guard on the roster (4.4 RPG), including a 10-rebound game vs. #5 Texas.
- Defensive Force – Ranks 14th in the SEC in steals (1.73 per game), with standout performances against:
- #5 LSU (5 steals, Jan. 24)
- Mississippi State (5 steals, Jan. 5)
- Auburn (Career-high 6 steals, Feb. 2)
As head coach Dawn Staley puts it:
“The Gamecocks have done nothing but win with Johnson in the lineup.”
Looking Ahead
With SEC and NCAA Tournament play approaching, South Carolina looks to extend its dominance and cap off another historic season while celebrating one of the most successful senior classes in program history.
