Back Together Again: Ta’Niya Latson and Raven Johnson Reunite at South Carolina, Sending Shockwaves Through Women’s College Basketball
In a move that shook up the women’s college basketball world, Ta’Niya Latson and Raven Johnson made headlines earlier this month—within just 10 minutes of each other.
Latson, the nation’s leading scorer last season and one of the most sought-after talents in the transfer portal, announced her commitment to South Carolina. Moments later, Johnson—already a cornerstone of the Gamecocks—confirmed she’d be returning for another season in Columbia.
The announcement lit up social media, especially among South Carolina fans. But the celebrations extended far beyond the college scene—to the halls of Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where the dynamic duo first made their mark.
“Oh, boy, I was real excited,” said Hilda Hankerson, longtime Westlake girls basketball coach, in an interview with The State. “Everybody in our school was excited. My coaching staff — everybody was just tickled pink, as they say.”
Hankerson, who’s led Westlake since 1995, saw firsthand the impact Johnson and Latson had during their high school years. The pair overlapped for three seasons, winning three straight state titles and capping it off with a GEICO National Championship in 2021—Johnson’s senior year.
“We were pretty much guaranteed in transition that there were not many people that could keep up with us… not many kids could handle the ball like Raven or finish like Ta’Niya,” Hankerson recalled.
“When Ta’Niya leaks out in transition, you better have more than one person waiting to stop her.”
Together, Latson and Johnson compiled an astonishing 82–2 record. During Johnson’s full four-year run, Westlake went 112–4, and a perfect 112–0 in Georgia.
In that unforgettable 2021 season, Latson was named an All-American and made the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Class 6A First Team, while Johnson claimed the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year award.
“They were on a mission,” Hankerson said. “They’re so in tune with each other, it’s like they’re joined at the hip. That chemistry wasn’t just coaching—it was instinct. A beautiful thing to watch.”
Since heading to college, both players have continued to thrive.
Raven Johnson is already a two-time national champion and a leader of South Carolina’s winningest recruiting class. This past season, she earned All-SEC Defensive Team honors.
Ta’Niya Latson was a star at Florida State, named to the All-ACC First Team all three seasons and averaging no less than 20 points per game every year. She led the entire nation in scoring last season with 25.2 PPG and was a three-time honorable mention All-American.
But her coach from high school says Latson brings more than scoring.
“She is super quick and very deceptive,” Hankerson said. “She changes speed before you can react. When she goes to the rim, she’s got a mission—‘I’m going to score.’ Her mindset is different. Her eyes are always on the prize.”
Looking ahead, Hankerson believes the magic they created at Westlake is just beginning at South Carolina.
“They both push to be better every time they step on the floor. I don’t think they’ve hit their ceiling yet.”
“Coach Dawn Staley is going to bring even more out of them. South Carolina has something really special with these two. I can’t wait to see what they do together at the next level.”
