2024-2025 WBB Team (2022-present)

[DarkCock]

Eniya Russell hits game winner against BC

Good for her. Pretty shocking. Less shocking, though, than Auburn beating Clemson by 30 and Vandy staying within single digits of NC State in Raleigh. So I'm still don't see many SEC wins for the Cats. Maybe Mizzou. A loss to Kentucky could be the final nail in Pingeton's coffin.

 

[CockyGirl]

I worried about this game after UNC lost two in a row. I figured they would play very intensely in trying to avoid a 3 loss streak. They have some good pieces to upset some teams. I also never think we play well (in 1st half) when we have an extended amount of time off.

I expect to see a much different team on Sunday. I think Milaysia will see a lot more time on the court. My only worry is I bet Kara wants to stick it to us bc we stole her coach. At least she can't get on the court and play us

Like Dawn said we need to get back to being us. Assists were way down last night and rebounds need to improve. Dawn will have them playing inspired ball on Sunday!

 

[KingWard]

Let year's team would have lost that game. Outside shooting by Pao Pao and Hall bailed us out tonight....

Are we really sure that the team that won 35 straight would have lost this particular game? Really?

 

[winloseortie]

Good for her. Pretty shocking. Less shocking, though, than Auburn beating Clemson by 30 and Vandy staying within single digits of NC State in Raleigh. So I'm still don't see many SEC wins for the Cats. Maybe Mizzou. A loss to Kentucky could be the final nail in Pingeton's coffin.

I got so much wrong last night. I was shocked at the Clemson scored.

Less so at Vandy, Shea Ralph has got some talent and is looking to be a good coach.

UK…. Russell was arguably the best player on the court last night. IF she can bring that every night, they may escape the cellar AND she would have a chance to use her COVID year at a better place.

Va Tech??? Kenny Brooks let his backup center foul out in the 2nd quarter only playing 5 minutes. Kitley and the whole team except Amoore are soft.

LSU Well we know they have talent and scorers. They are bruisingly physical. They also had cooperation from how the game was called. Is it me or does everyone on the team look out of shape except Flau’jae? I knew HVL was bad on D but God she is just horrible. At one point Amoore beat her 4 straight trips down the floor.

UGA I’m beginning to think Coach Abe is just a bad end of game coach. UGA should have never let that game get to OT

Mizzou, Pingeton once again proved she can coach offense but little else.

Ark vs FSU 150 shots taken!! That is a shot every 16 seconds. Almost half of them were 3 pointers. If Ark can be competitive on the boards they be dangerous.

As for us…. We showed our inexperience and some weaknesses got exposed. We are young and it really showed in the first quarter. I still really worry about our rebounding against the bigger and tougher teams on the schedule. Despite our size nobody yet is a hard A$$ on the boards. Watkins has got to get her emotions under control or she will get baited even more and thrown out of games. Hall and Paopao were beyond solid. Since the team is together for the weekend I expect a lot of film, practice and conversations to occur.

 

[DarkCock]

Let year's team would have lost that game. Outside shooting by Pao Pao and Hall bailed us out tonight....

Not so fast, my friend. Last year's team wouldn't have been outrebounded. I think they would have beaten this UNC team by a similar score.

As for the game, ESPN named Paopao the player of the game, but it should have been Cardoso. I don’t care how many points she scored, she dominated on the defensive end and defense won the game. 13 defensive rebounds and 4 blocks doesn't tell the whole story. She altered many more shots and, in general, UNC attempted far more 3's than they wanted due to her presence. Utsby was cooking Chloe all night, but Cardoso altered several her shots once she got near the rim. Also give Cardoso credit for the screen that allowed Paopao those open looks from 3.

Watkins needs to realize her value and stay out of foul trouble. Kamilla needs some help in the paint.

 

[USCEDGE]

Not so fast, my friend. Last year's team wouldn't have been outrebounded. I think they would have beaten this UNC team by a similar score.

As for the game, ESPN named Paopao the player of the game, but it should have been Cardoso. I don’t care how many points she scored, she dominated on the defensive end and defense won the game. 13 defensive rebounds and 4 blocks doesn't tell the whole story. She altered many more shots and, in general, UNC attempted far more 3's than they wanted due to her presence. Utsby was cooking Chloe all night, but Cardoso altered several her shots once she got near the rim. Also give Cardoso credit for the screen that allowed Paopao those open looks from 3.

Watkins needs to realize her value and stay out of foul trouble. Kamilla needs some help on the in the paint.

Good points and I understand what you are saying but no one knows how a game with last year's team would have played out. We may have been ahead by 20+ points in the 4th quarter. I did not make myself clear that I was referencing the way the game evolved coming down the stretch. Our outside shooting bailed us out at the end and we did not have that weapon last year on a consistent basis.

 

[CockyGirl]

@winloseortie i am anxiously awaiting your thoughts on the Duke game. I know it’s early

 

[Gamekem]

 

[adcoop]

I cannot call it a championship if no playoffs were played. They were considered too be leaps and bounds better than the rest of NCAA WBB last season and we all know how that turned out.

That's the kind of challenge we needed. Road environment, game got testy, down double digits, no fancy plays from Fulwiley, got beat on the boards(!) and still took home the win against a top 25 opponent. Definitely Bree's best game as a Gamecock.

Also, your top two scorers combined for 6 points while beating a Top 25 team. Really pleased with how Watkins and Kitts performed in the Second Half. We are going to be just fine without the Freshies. Pao-Pao was great too, but I have come to expect that from her. Cardoso and Fulwiley had a rough night, but it happens. Good to get a quality victory while going to your Plan C or even Plan D.

 

[winloseortie]

@winloseortie i am anxiously awaiting your thoughts on the Duke game. I know it’s early

Thanks for your confidence in my thoughts. I am swamped today and then off to the men’s game tonight. So probably tomorrow morning.

Briefly, Duke has more height than the heels. Expect a lot of copycat. Emotionally I think the team plays better for a number of reasons.

Over the first real road game shock. It is an adjustment to block out that crowd that is being down on you.

Adjustments will be made. My guess is they are all ears to the coaches and that their are a LOT of conversations going on coach to player and player to player

I don’t think Duke is as good defensively as UNC nor as physical. Brink intimidated and dominated them whenever she was in the game.

 

[DarkCock]

Gutted it out. That is a hateful school to which to lose. I'm glad it was averted.

It was a useful experience. Better to gain useful experience in a win than in a loss to a damnable opponent such as they.

For the UNCarolina haters, you would enjoy watching the highlights from UNC/BYU soccer match last weekend. One of the top 5 most brutal losses I've ever witnessed. The Heels blew a 3-0 2nd half lead in the Elite Eight. That's not supposed to happen, definitely not to the 20 time national champs.

 

[KingWard]

For the UNCarolina haters, you would enjoy watching the highlights from UNC/BYU soccer match last weekend. One of the top 5 most brutal losses I've ever witnessed. The Heels blew a 3-0 2nd half lead in the Elite Eight. That's not supposed to happen, definitely not to the 20 time national champs.

Thank you for further brightening my day.

 

[The Coast is Clear]

Are we really sure that the team that won 35 straight would have lost this particular game? Really?

I agree with this. Boston would have dominated on the boards and not lost here poise like some on this year's team did. Add Cardoso as an option to play off Boston. IMHO, I think last year's team wins by 10-20.

 

[Gamekem]

I didn't mind yesterday's game, I was worried we wouldn't be properly challenged until the postseason considering how the SEC has been disappointing. We now have tape on what to improve on and we learned this team can respond to be challenged.

I'm super happy for Bree Hall, she seemed to get lost in the previous games by the other starters performances, but she really stepped up when we needed her. I also enjoyed that Cardoso didn't let a poor offensive game detract from the other parts of her game. Pao Pao was a steal from the transfer portal and I like the tandem of Watkins and Kitts. We may finally have some power forwards with some range to help out Kamilla. Can't wait to see how this team responds with Duke.

 

[The Coast is Clear]

I didn't mind yesterday's game, I was worried we wouldn't be properly challenged until the postseason considering how the SEC has been disappointing. We now have tape on what to improve on and we learned this team can respond to be challenged.

I'm super happy for Bree Hall, she seemed to get lost in the previous games by the other starters performances, but she really stepped up when we needed her. I also enjoyed that Cardoso didn't let a poor offensive game detract from the other parts of her game. Pao Pao was a steal from the transfer portal and I like the tandem of Watkins and Kitts. We may finally have some power forwards with some range to help out Kamilla. Can't wait to see how this team responds with Duke.

Good post.

My concern about this year's team is, "Who is the alpha dog when the going gets tough?" We have some really good players and many seem as talented as others. But who is our go to converter when things are not working? Who is going to take charge like Boston did a couple of years' ago when she scored like 16 points in the fourth quarter and the rest of the team had huge nerves and could only muster two. I think it was a tourney game. Am I dreaming this?

 

[DarkCock]

Good post.

My concern about this year's team is, "Who is the alpha dog when the going gets tough?" We have some really good players and many seem as talented as others. But who is our go to converter when things are not working? Who is going to take charge like Boston did a couple of years' ago when she scored like 16 points in the fourth quarter and the rest of the team had huge nerves and could only muster two. I think it was a tourney game. Am I dreaming this?

You're thinking of the NCAA tournament 2 years ago against UNC. Aliyah scored all our points in the 4th. Maybe our final 16 points. Not sure about that. I don't think the rest of the team was nervous as much as they were not very good at shooting. They took shots, but missed them. Boston dominated the boards and got to the foul line a lot. I understand your point, though. The team will figure out their roles as the season progresses imo. We learned last night that Bree isn't afraid of the moment. Another reason playing close, competive games are important.

 

[The Coast is Clear]

You're thinking of the NCAA tournament 2 years ago against UNC. Aliyah scored all our points in the 4th. Maybe our final 16 points. Not sure about that. I don't think the rest of the team was nervous as much as they were not very good at shooting. They took shots, but missed them. Boston dominated the boards and got to the foul line a lot. I understand your point, though. The team will figure out their roles as the season progresses imo. We learned last night that Bree isn't afraid of the moment. Another reason playing close, competive games are important.

Thanks for the refresher.
We also learned that Pao-Pao doesn't seem afraid of the moment. Don't think she made a teardrop, but she refused to give up on it. It did not bother her outside shooting.

Edit: Now Raven, the moment phased her at the free throw line late in the game.

 

[PFUNK Cock]

Good post.

My concern about this year's team is, "Who is the alpha dog when the going gets tough?" We have some really good players and many seem as talented as others. But who is our go to converter when things are not working? Who is going to take charge like Boston did a couple of years' ago when she scored like 16 points in the fourth quarter and the rest of the team had huge nerves and could only muster two. I think it was a tourney game. Am I dreaming this?

Seems as though Hall and PoaPoa took that mantle. But give Kitts and Watkins their due as well. I was most disappointed in Raven as she made some mental mistakes late in the game and then bricked two free throws. She is the PG and needs to prepare herself mentally for end game situations. Her growth in that area will make it break this season IMHO.

 

[DarkCock]

An odd stat from the UNC game -- we grabbed a total of 6 offensive rebounds. 3 from Cardoso, 1 from Kitts and Watkins each, and 1 team rebound.

SIX!

I can't remember the last time we had so few offensive rebounds. I went back to 2019 when we struggled to rebound at times. We lost to Maryland at home, freshman Shakira Austin had 16 rebounds, and we were outrebounded by 24. We still grabbed 18 offensive rebounds. We also managed double digit offensive rebounds in two blowout losses that season to the eventual national champs Baylor.

I guess the rebounding against UNC was just an aberration. Nevertheless, unacceptable for a Dawn Staley team. That's sure to be a point of emphasis tomorrow because Duke's biggest weakness, by far, is defensive rebounding. They have length and athleticism, but the Blue Devils lack bruisers. Cardoso will undoubtedly receive most of their attention, so other players will have opportunities for rebounds. They need to step up. Hopefully we'll make the UNC game an outlier tomorrow.

 

[Prestonyte]

An odd stat from the UNC game -- we grabbed a total of 6 offensive rebounds. 3 from Cardoso, 1 from Kitts and Watkins each, and 1 team rebound.

SIX!

I can't remember the last time we had so few offensive rebounds. I went back to 2019 when we struggled to rebound at times. We lost to Maryland at home, freshman Shakira Austin had 16 rebounds, and we were outrebounded by 24. We still grabbed 18 offensive rebounds. We also managed double digit offensive rebounds in two blowout losses that season to the eventual national champs Baylor.

I guess the rebounding against UNC was just an aberration. Nevertheless, unacceptable for a Dawn Staley team. That's sure to be a point of emphasis tomorrow because Duke's biggest weakness, by far, is defensive rebounding. They have length and athleticism, but the Blue Devils lack bruisers. Cardoso will undoubtedly receive most of their attention, so other players will have opportunities for rebounds. They need to step up. Hopefully we'll make the UNC game an outlier tomorrow.

Rebounders not establishing position/out of position had a lot to do with it. Looked a little sluggish after the layoff.

 

[winloseortie]

An odd stat from the UNC game -- we grabbed a total of 6 offensive rebounds. 3 from Cardoso, 1 from Kitts and Watkins each, and 1 team rebound.

SIX!

I can't remember the last time we had so few offensive rebounds. I went back to 2019 when we struggled to rebound at times. We lost to Maryland at home, freshman Shakira Austin had 16 rebounds, and we were outrebounded by 24. We still grabbed 18 offensive rebounds. We also managed double digit offensive rebounds in two blowout losses that season to the eventual national champs Baylor.

I guess the rebounding against UNC was just an aberration. Nevertheless, unacceptable for a Dawn Staley team. That's sure to be a point of emphasis tomorrow because Duke's biggest weakness, by far, is defensive rebounding. They have length and athleticism, but the Blue Devils lack bruisers. Cardoso will undoubtedly receive most of their attention, so other players will have opportunities for rebounds. They need to step up. Hopefully we'll make the UNC game an outlier tomorrow.

I have had concerns about rebounding since the exhibition game against Rutgers. Most games we will be dominant just because of our size.

My worry is nobody is a relentless boarder like Saxton, Boston, Beal and even Amihere. Utah, A&M, and especially LSU Play like every rebound belongs to them and you are just in the way.

 

[DarkCock]

I've seen some ppl asking why Fulwiley didn't see much playing time. Here's the answer:



She should have picked up Donarski in transition. Instead, Donarski was uncovered and hit an open 3.

Earlier, Walker picked up Donarski in a scramble, but left her open in the corner when the ball went inside. A big no-no.

Whoever had Donarski on defense should have never left her. She is the only Heel that can shoot 3's with any consistency. She hit 2 in that early flurry when we fell down double digits.

The rest of the game Donarski was 1 of 7 from 3. The team as a whole, besides those two open looks, was 2 of 19 from behind the arc.

Good to see Dawn upholding high standards on defense.

 

[winloseortie]

I've seen some ppl asking why Fulwiley didn't see much playing time. Here's the answer:

View attachment 465577

She should have picked up Donarski in transition. Instead, Donarski was uncovered and hit an open 3.

Earlier, Walker picked up Donarski in a scramble, but left her open in the corner when the ball went inside. A big no-no.View attachment 465579

Whoever had Donarski on defense should have never left her. She is the only Heel that can shoot 3's with any consistency. She hit 2 in that early flurry when we fell down double digits.

The rest of the game Donarski was 1 of 7 from 3. The team as a whole, besides those two open looks, was 2 of 19 from behind the arc.

Good to see Dawn upholding high standards on defense.

Definitely a lesson to be learned. How many times have you heard Dawn say, “Make them 2 us!”
Arkansas took 41! Yes 41 3 point shots against FSU. FSU didn’t run them off the line all night

 

[DarkCock]

Definitely a lesson to be learned. How many times have you heard Dawn say, “Make them 2 us!”
Arkansas took 41! Yes 41 3 point shots against FSU. FSU didn’t run them off the line all night

That's bad. Poffenbarger had 23 rebounds in that game. I've never thought she was a legitimate 4, but if she can rebound anywhere close to that number, it's a gamechanger for Arky. Their starting lineup is really good. Maybe a top 4 conference finish is not unrealistic.

 

[CockyGirl]

Ole Miss just lost to Southern Miss

 

[winloseortie]

Ole Miss just lost to Southern Miss

And Florida lost to Marshall

 

[ConwayGamecock]

That's bad. Poffenbarger had 23 rebounds in that game. I've never thought she was a legitimate 4, but if she can rebound anywhere close to that number, it's a gamechanger for Arky. Their starting lineup is really good. Maybe a top 4 conference finish is not unrealistic.

People used to say that Arkansas needed to get some bigs and start rebounding if they are ever going to take the next step in conference play. That Neighbors was a good perimeter guard-oriented coach but didn't coach post presence and rebounding.

Well, in the early going Arkansas is 5th in the SEC in rebounds per game, behind USC, UT, TAMU, and LSU. They are 32nd nationally in RPG, with an average of 43.88. Not sure what caliber of opponent they gathered those numbers against, however.....

 

[winloseortie]

People used to say that Arkansas needed to get some bigs and start rebounding if they are ever going to take the next step in conference play. That Neighbors was a good perimeter guard-oriented coach but didn't coach post presence and rebounding.

Well, in the early going Arkansas is 5th in the SEC in rebounds per game, behind USC, UT, TAMU, and LSU. They are 32nd nationally in RPG, with an average of 43.88. Not sure what caliber of opponent they gathered those numbers against, however.....

I think their high rank in rebounds has to be viewed through the lens of pace of play and not necessarily rebounding prowess. They are 149th in rebound margin. The 4 SEC teams ahead of them are all in the top 25 in rebound margin.

 

[Dreaus]

Also, your top two scorers combined for 6 points while beating a Top 25 team. Really pleased with how Watkins and Kitts performed in the Second Half. We are going to be just fine without the Freshies. Pao-Pao was great too, but I have come to expect that from her. Cardoso and Fulwiley had a rough night, but it happens. Good to get a quality victory while going to your Plan C or even Plan D.

I agree, Chloe, struggled early in the game, but i was impressed with her mid-range game. If she can consistently hit that shot, it free's Cardosa from being double teamed.

 

[DarkCock]

I think their high rank in rebounds has to be viewed through the lens of pace of play and not necessarily rebounding prowess. They are 149th in rebound margin. The 4 SEC teams ahead of them are all in the top 25 in rebound margin.

Yes, that's an interesting point. In our case, we lead the nation in defensive rebounds, so it may look like we're dominating the glass, but we're only 60th in the nation in defensive rebounding rate. We get so many defensive rebounds because our opponents miss SOOO many shots, so lots of defensive rebounds to be had.

I have to accept we're not going to rebound like the last two years. One of the main reasons is Breezy does not rebound anywhere near as well Brea. But Breezy's defensive effort is outstanding. This UNC writer gushed over her defense several times.



Winning is going to look a little different this year. But defense is always a constant with a Dawn Staley team.

 

[DarkCock]

Massey predicts UCLA over Arkansas by 5. Great chance for the Hogs to make a statement.

 

[USCEDGE]

This game is eerily similar to the NC game. Duke appears to be a bit more athletic than the Heels so that is somewhat concerning. We have 13 turnovers at the half. What's up with that???

 

[ConwayGamecock]

Gamecocks lead 35-29 at halftime.

Its a testament to how well Duke has played the first half, that South Carolina shot 52% from the field, 67% from behind the arc, have made 7 free throws to 0 for Duke, and yet they only lead by 6 pts.

One might say that the Gamecocks have turned the ball over a ton in the 1st half - they have - and that the Blue Devils have capitalized on that, but if the stats are correct, SC actually leads Duke in pts off TOs 12-10.


Interesting to see which team can keep it up for the 2nd half, and which team falters. Both teams fell off on their shooting in the 2nd Period, with the Gamecocks shooting 38.5% and the Devils shooting 23.5%. Perhaps the Gamecock defense plus Duke coming off their game-start high is beginning to play a role, but Duke has given the Gamecocks everything they can handle thus far.....

 

[ConwayGamecock]

Chloe has great effort - she's working harder than any other Gamecocks out there, but often she seems to be rushing herself, and gets a bit wild on her shot attempts. Once she learns to polish her moves up while maintaining that great hustle, and gain control within herself, she may end up being an All-American candidate.....

 

[Evilchicken]

Cardoso continues to be unimpressive. She’s no Boston. And Raven, dude, please stop the Jason Kidd passing…totally sloppy.

 

[Evilchicken]

I thought Raven could shoot. Hmm

 

[CWW]

Let’s go Gamecocks!!

 

[ConwayGamecock]

Cardoso continues to be unimpressive. She’s no Boston. And Raven, dude, please stop the Jason Kidd passing…totally sloppy.

Your timing is impeccable.....

 

[ConwayGamecock]

I thought Raven could shoot. Hmm

AGAIN!?!? What game are YOU watching???

 

[KingWard]

Blitzed their @$$e$ in the fourth! Very satisfying. My ACC-era sensibilities cannot be suppressed.