South Carolina stayed perfect last week, stacking statement wins over Clemson and Southern Cal to solidify its status as one of the nation’s most dangerous teams. Here’s a breakdown of the Gamecocks’ standout performers, key questions, and one highlight play that defined Week 2.
Three Clutch Gamecocks
Joyce Edwards
vs Clemson: 30 minutes*, 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists
vs Southern Cal: 35 minutes*, 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals
Edwards has been nothing short of dominant. Her confidence on the offensive end and her defensive presence have taken a major leap from her freshman year. With elite talent all over the court during “The Real SC” matchup, Edwards still managed to look like the best player in the building.
Tessa Johnson
vs Clemson: 35 minutes*, 13 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2-4 3PT
vs Southern Cal: 36 minutes*, 14 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2-4 3PT
Johnson entered her junior season focusing on becoming a more consistent threat — and she’s delivered. Not only is she stuffing the stat sheet, she’s knocking down shots when South Carolina most needs them. She poured in six points during the decisive 10-0 run to put Clemson away, then splashed two massive threes in the third quarter to break open the game against Southern Cal.
Madina Okot
vs Clemson: 25 minutes*, 12 points, 12 rebounds, 1 block
vs Southern Cal: 35 minutes*, 6 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Okot’s 15 boards against Southern Cal marked the most by a Gamecock since Kamilla Cardoso’s 17 in the 2024 national title game. She has become the reliable interior presence South Carolina was missing a year ago — dominating the glass, protecting the rim, and changing the entire tone of the defense.
Two Burning Questions
1. Has South Carolina finally solved its defensive problems?
Early on, Dawn Staley wasn’t convinced — and even late into the Clemson matchup, she still wasn’t satisfied.
But the response since then has been impressive.
South Carolina held Clemson scoreless from the field in the fourth quarter and then smothered an explosive Southern Cal offense. Over the last five quarters alone, the Gamecocks have allowed opponents to shoot just 26.2% (22-84). Even stretching back through all four quarters of the Clemson game, opponents are hitting just 28.1%.
That is championship-level defense.
2. Are turnovers a real concern?
South Carolina turned it over 12 times against Clemson and 17 times against Southern Cal, losing the turnover battle in both matchups (-2 and -4).
The Gamecocks thrive in transition, and playing fast will always produce some giveaways. But Staley’s team cannot afford to consistently finish in the negative margin. It’s something worth watching as the schedule intensifies.
One Favorite Play
Nothing energizes Staley’s program like defense turning into offense. One standout sequence featured Agot Makeer, Madina Okot, and Ta’Niya Latson collapsing on the ball, recovering, and then Makeer anticipating the passing lane perfectly. She bolted downcourt and finished through Kennedy Smith — one of Southern Cal’s elite defenders.
A perfect snapshot of the team’s identity: pressure, poise, and power.
