Dawn Staley, Gamecocks Set for Atlanta Showdown Against No. 11 North Carolina
The No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team is on the road to Atlanta for a high-profile exhibition matchup Thursday night. The Gamecocks will face No. 11 North Carolina at State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, in a neutral-site clash designed to test the team’s chemistry and early-season form.
“We’re gonna play to win the game,” said head coach Dawn Staley on Wednesday. “We’re playing it in public and playing another D-I school to win, to see where we are, to see where some pieces can help us out throughout the year. We need to see some chemistry.”
The Gamecocks’ battle with the Tar Heels headlines a college basketball doubleheader, which also includes a men’s exhibition between Auburn and Memphis.
A Major Step Up in Competition
South Carolina’s first exhibition, a 112–31 rout of Division II Anderson, offered little resistance. Thursday’s test will be entirely different. North Carolina enters the season ranked No. 11 in the AP preseason poll after finishing last year as a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, narrowly missing a matchup with South Carolina after a Sweet 16 loss to Duke.
The Tar Heels are projected to finish third in the ACC, led by senior guard Reniya Kelly, a preseason All-ACC selection. For Staley, the matchup provides the perfect early-season gauge for her team’s readiness.
Can Agot Makeer Stay Hot?
Freshman forward Agot Makeer was a standout performer in the Gamecocks’ win over Anderson, tallying 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, along with six rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Her hustle and versatility caught Staley’s attention, earning her extended playing time.
Makeer’s strong debut came against a Division II team, but Thursday’s exhibition marks her first real test against a Power 4 opponent. Staley may limit her minutes, but all eyes will be on how the young standout responds to tougher competition.
Homecoming for Raven Johnson
For Raven Johnson, Thursday’s game will be a homecoming. The veteran point guard hails from Atlanta, where she starred at Westlake High School, just 30 minutes from State Farm Arena. Johnson’s prep career was legendary — she was a four-time Georgia state champion, a two-time Georgia Miss Basketball winner, and a McDonald’s All-American.
The night also serves as a mini-reunion. Johnson will share the court again with former high school teammate Ta’Niya Latson. Together, they led Westlake to an 82-2 record and a GEICO national championship during their three years together.
Game Info
- Who: No. 2 South Carolina vs. No. 11 North Carolina (Exhibition)
- When: Thursday, 6 p.m. ET
- Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- Tickets: Starting at $50 via Ticketmaster
- Radio: 98.5 FM WOMG (Brad Muller)
- TV: None
The matchup offers an early glimpse into how Staley’s revamped roster handles elite competition — and a homecoming moment for one of the Gamecocks’ leaders.
