South Carolina’s pipeline to the pros is very much alive and well on the West Coast
The Los Angeles Sparks didn’t just beat Nigeria in their WNBA preseason matchup — they dominated, pulling away for a convincing 89-63 victory. And right in the middle of that statement win were two former South Carolina Gamecocks proving that Dawn Staley’s program doesn’t just develop champions — it develops professionals.
Ta’Niya Latson and Sania Feagin, two products of one of the most decorated programs in women’s college basketball history, both made their marks on the game in different but equally impressive ways. Together, they gave Sparks fans a very early glimpse of what this roster could look like when everything clicks.
Ta’Niya Latson: The Complete Package
If anyone needed a reminder of just how versatile Ta’Niya Latson is as a basketball player, her stat line against Nigeria said everything. Latson finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block — a line that speaks to a player who is never trying to do too much, but always finding a way to impact the game in multiple areas simultaneously.
Six assists is a remarkable number for any player, let alone in a preseason debut setting where chemistry and timing are still being built. Latson showed a natural feel for the game — finding open teammates, pushing the pace, and making decisions that looked effortless. Pair that with 5 rebounds, and you have a guard who isn’t afraid to get physical and do the dirty work, and a block thrown in for good measure showed her defensive instincts remain as sharp as ever.
Latson entered the WNBA with a reputation for her offensive firepower and scoring ability built during her college years, but this performance signaled something even more exciting — she arrived in Los Angeles as a complete, two-way player ready to contribute in every phase of the game. For a Sparks team looking to rebuild and establish a new identity, that kind of all-around production from a young player is exactly what the franchise needs to see.
Sania Feagin: Maximum Efficiency in Minimum Time
If Ta’Niya Latson’s stat line was about breadth of impact, Sania Feagin’s was about pure efficiency. In just 10 minutes of action, Feagin posted 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal, doing so on an impressive 2-of-3 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.
Ten minutes. Seven points. That kind of efficiency off the bench is exactly what a coaching staff looks for from a young player fighting for a roster spot and carving out a role. Feagin didn’t waste a single possession. She attacked when she had the opportunity, drew contact at the line, and converted when it mattered. The 3-of-4 performance at the free throw line, in particular, showed composure and a willingness to be physical and finish through contact — traits that translate at every level of the game.
Feagin may not have had the flashiest night statistically, but in the world of professional basketball, production per minute is one of the truest measures of a player’s value. By that standard, Feagin passed her first pro test with flying colors.
The Gamecock Connection Lives On
There’s something poetic about watching two former South Carolina Gamecocks share a locker room in Los Angeles, carrying the culture and standard that Dawn Staley built in Columbia all the way to the West Coast. Both Latson and Feagin were forged in one of the most demanding and successful programs in women’s college basketball history, and it shows in the way they play — with poise, with purpose, and without wasted effort.
The Sparks’ 89-63 dismantling of Nigeria was a strong collective statement, and within that statement, two Gamecocks made sure their names were part of the conversation. Neither is coming in with any guarantee of a roster spot — that’s the reality of the professional game — but performances like these make the decision a whole lot harder for the coaching staff.
What’s Next
It’s early. It’s preseason. But in women’s basketball, momentum and confidence are currency, and right now, both Ta’Niya Latson and Sania Feagin are rich in both. The Los Angeles Sparks gave the WNBA world a reason to pay attention, and two former Gamecocks were right at the center of it.
Dawn Staley’s pipeline doesn’t stop at the college game. It runs all the way to the pros — and right now, it runs straight through Los Angeles. 💜💛
