South Carolina may have left Las Vegas without the championship trophy, but sophomore forward Joyce Edwards made sure the Gamecocks didn’t leave without a star performance to talk about. Across the Players Era Women’s Championship, Edwards emerged as the Gamecocks’ most consistent and dominant player, showcasing exactly why she is considered one of the nation’s rising young talents.
From start to finish, Edwards delivered an all-around display that highlighted the full breadth of her offensive arsenal. Against Texas in the title game, she attacked relentlessly off the dribble, using her athleticism and strength to finish through contact at the rim. Her mid-range game—already one of her most polished skills—was on full display as she knocked down jumper after jumper, both off the catch and off the bounce.
Even against Texas’ physical frontcourt and elite defensive pressure, Edwards refused to back down. She battled inside, carved out space around the rim, and worked confidently in the paint. Her 16-point effort in the narrow championship loss was a testament to her ability to elevate her play on the biggest stage.
Across the two-game mini-tournament, Edwards averaged an impressive 19 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field—numbers that underscore her efficiency, versatility, and reliability as South Carolina’s offensive engine during the event.
More than just the Gamecocks’ best player in Las Vegas, Edwards played like a star ready to take on a larger role this season. Her performance not only boosted South Carolina’s competitiveness in the tournament but also hinted at a breakout year ahead for the sophomore forward.
If her showing at the Players Era Championship is any indication, Joyce Edwards is just getting started—and the rest of the SEC has been officially put on notice.
