Edwards, Latson Earn Midseason Wooden Award Recognition — Latest Update on Gamecocks Stars
Two of **South Carolina’s brightest women’s basketball stars — forward Joyce Edwards and guard Ta’Niya Latson — have been honored on the John R. Wooden Award 2025-26 Women’s Midseason Top 25 Watch List, reinforcing their status among the nation’s elite players and adding national recognition to the Gamecocks’ strong season. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
The Wooden Award, one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, recognizes outstanding performance across the season. Being named to the Midseason Top 25 Watch List puts both Edwards and Latson in contention for one of the sport’s top accolades as the race for postseason awards begins to take shape. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Edwards: A Consistent Force for South Carolina
For South Carolina, Joyce Edwards has been one of the most dependable and dynamic contributors this season. As the Gamecocks’ leading scorer, she’s provided both offensive firepower and physical presence in the frontcourt. According to team statistics, Edwards is averaging 21.0 points per game, a team-high mark that underscores her impact on the scoreboard and within the SEC. (ESPN)
Her inclusion on the Wooden Midseason Watch List reflects her scoring consistency and all-around impact. In marquee performances throughout the year — including a standout 34-point night where she shot an incredible 14-for-15 from the floor — Edwards has shown elite efficiency and a knack for dominating opposing defenses. (Mix 92.9)
It’s not just the scoring that sets Edwards apart. She’s also contributed in rebounds, defense, and leadership on a Gamecock team that consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
Latson: National Profile Continues to Rise
Ta’Niya Latson’s presence on the Wooden Midseason Top 25 list adds yet another chapter to a decorated career that began long before she donned Gamecock colors. Latson transferred to South Carolina after an electrifying tenure at Florida State, where she averaged 25.2 points per game and ranked among the country’s top scorers in 2024-25. (Florida State University)
Her inclusion on the midseason watch list illustrates both her scoring pedigree and the high expectations placed on her this season. While Latson’s scoring with South Carolina may look different than her career totals, she continues to open eyes with her shooting efficiency and leadership on the perimeter. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Even in games where shot opportunities ebb and flow — such as South Carolina’s post-holiday contests — Latson has shown her ability to contribute in multiple ways, from playmaking to high-energy defense.
Why This Matters for the Gamecocks
South Carolina’s success this season — marked by a strong SEC record and ascending national profile — is reflected in individual honors like the Wooden Watch List. Having two players recognized not only speaks to individual excellence but also to the depth and balance of the roster as a whole.
The Gamecocks’ standing in the national landscape is further reinforced as multiple SEC players were included on the Wooden Midseason list, an indication of the strength of the conference and the competitive environment in which Edwards and Latson excel. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Looking Ahead: Midseason to March
With the midpoint of the season approaching, watch list selections like these often serve as a launch pad for postseason honors. Both Edwards and Latson will look to build on this momentum as South Carolina navigates the latter half of its SEC slate, eyeing conference championships and positioning for the NCAA Tournament.
As the Wooden Award continues to track top performers through the season, Edwards and Latson’s presence among the midseason Top 25 places them firmly in the national conversation — not just as key pieces of the Gamecock rotation, but as players capable of shaping the broader women’s college basketball landscape.
Sources
- Edwards, Latson on Wooden Midseason Top 25 — South Carolina Athletics official release. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
- South Carolina Gamecocks 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Stats — ESPN team stats. (ESPN)
- Women’s Top 25 roundup — Mix 92.9 account of Edwards’ scoring performance. (Mix 92.9)
