South Carolina sophomore standout Joyce Edwards has been named SEC Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Edwards powered the Gamecocks to two victories — including their first ranked win of the season — averaging 17.5 points per game. This marks the fifth weekly SEC honor of her career, but notably, it is her first time earning SEC Player of the Week.
In the Gamecocks’ dominant 28-point victory over Clemson, Edwards immediately took control, scoring six of South Carolina’s first 11 points. She closed the first half with 14 points on an efficient 6-for-10 shooting, and matched her career high with three blocked shots.
Edwards followed that performance with another strong showing against #8/10 Southern Cal in Los Angeles. She once again led the team in scoring, recording her first double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She delivered seven of those points during a crucial third-quarter stretch — highlighted by a transition layup and a floater off her own steal — sparking a 6-0 run that pushed the Gamecocks into double-digit control.
So far this season, Edwards has emerged as South Carolina’s leading scorer at 18.0 points per game, ranking sixth in the SEC. She also sits fourth in the league with 2.3 blocks per game, while her .554 field-goal percentage ranks 11th. Edwards averages 6.8 rebounds, second-best on the team, including 3.0 offensive boards per game, placing her 13th in the conference.
The No. 2/2 Gamecocks return to Colonial Life Arena for two home matchups this week. They’ll take on Winthrop on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. on SEC Network, followed by a Sunday, Nov. 23 showdown with Queens University at 2 p.m. on SECN+.
