Markeshia Grant: FOUR it all, in the heart of it all

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And so it begins, playing “FOUR it all” in “the heart of it all.” Four Teams. One Goal. A quest for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship. South Carolina. NC State. UConn. Iowa.

Embrace the Journey: Final Four

The South Carolina women’s basketball team has the opportunity to do something that only nine former championship teams have done in NCAA women’s basketball history, and that’s go undefeated. However, the focus is on the game that is in front of them, which is a semifinal matchup against NC State. The last time these two teams met was in 2022 at NC State and South Carolina got the win 66-57. 

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South Carolina vs. NC State

Key matchups to watch:

Kamilla Cardoso vs. River Baldwin

Kamilla has been locked in defensely throughout the NCAA Tournament, so I think this will be an ideal matchup. Cardoso is capable of getting Baldwin in foul trouble as she is foul prone. Here are some advantages Kamilla should have versus Baldwin:

• Being able to use her height and length
• Foot speed/Beating her to spots defensively 
• Getting deep post position and scoring over her or around her
• Rebounding! Especially offensive rebounds
• Shot blocking ability on defense

Players to Watch vs. NC State

Raven Johnson 

Raven makes South Carolina’s team go—by leading from the point guard position, but also pressuring the ball defensively to make opponents uncomfortable for 40 minutes. Lately she’s been scoring the ball well and hitting late-game 3s. “RAVEN IS THE MOMENT!”

Ashlyn Watkins

Ashlyn showed us glimpses of why she was in the running for SEC 6th Player of the Year against Oregon State by hustling, rebounding, blocking shots and getting timely putbacks. I think if she brings that same approach and that same energy against NC State, she will be a huge difference maker for the Gamecocks. “Make your presence felt Ash, Let’s go!”

Chloe Kitts

Chloe is hard to guard because she is so versatile. She is really good at hitting shots when she is in rhythm—like mid range jumpers, drives to the basket or finishing through contact. She is also impactful when it comes to offensive rebounding. Having to guard Ashlyn or Chloe at the 4 position all night, will be a tough out for any team. “Go DME on them Chloe, it’s time!”

X-Factors vs. NC State

MiLaysia Fulwiley 

It’s time for MiLaysia to do her BIG ONE by bringing her game changing energy off the bench as she has done all season long. I would love to see her have an exhilarating and entertaining game just like we saw in the SEC tournament championship game. We need speed and quickness, knock down 3’s, crafty layups, steal and scores, and highlight-reel worthy passing. I can see it now! “GO! LAY WIT DA BUTTER!” Your time is NOW.

Tessa Johnson

Miss Tea Time….it’s your time! South Carolina needs the best of her! That’s knocking down wide open 3s, floaters in the lane, getting to the free throw line and locking up whoever she is defending. Also, she will just need to continue to show poise and have great pace on offense. She is a steady presence off the bench when the Gamecocks need balance. “Let’s go FIVE!”

Sania Feagin

Sania has played so well this NCAA Tournament—from defending the best bigs, knocking down open shots, getting timely rebounds for extra offensive possessions, to bringing that dominating energy when her team needs a boost. “Feagin this what you’ve been waiting for! Let’s do it!”

Keys to Win

• Keep the main thing, the main thing.
  • The main thing is to continue to take one game at a time and to win. Survive and advance.
• Play hard. Play smart. Play disciplined. Play/act like Champions. Play together!
• Find ways to attack NC State defense
  • If NC State plays a zone, South Carolina will need to attack their zone by driving and kicking for wide open 3s, getting to the basket or playing inside out. 
• Man-to-man defense and depth
  • South Carolina plays stifling defense, especially when the stakes are high. They also lead the country in defensive efficiency. Additionally, their depth will allow them to be able to give different looks defensively. 
• Bench production
  • The Gamecocks bench has been an advantage for them all year long. South Carolina is averaging roughly 34 bench points per game. Last time out versus Oregon State, South Carolina had 38 bench points.
• Rebounding
  • South Carolina outrebounds its opponents by 12 rebounds per game. They outrebounded Oregon State by 14 last time out. This will allow South Carolina extra possessions. 
• Control Tempo
  • NC State likes to get out in transition and score, so slowing them down and forcing them to play half-court offense helps with controlling the tempo of the game.
• Possessions
  • Basketball is a game of runs, however, when you have two teams who like to play up tempo, possessions matter. In this case, I think more possessions for South Carolina gives them more opportunities to score. 
• Take care of the basketball
  • The Gamecocks have been doing a really good job of taking care of the basketball, especially in their last four tournament games. It will be imperative to make sure they are continuing to do the same in this matchup against NC State. They had just six turnovers against Oregon State.
  • South Carolina is notorious for making the right plays and making sure the right players are taking the best shots. Last time out, the Gamecocks had 12 assists against the Oregon State.
• Make Free Throws
  • South Carolina will get opportunities to get to the free throw line, they will just have to concentrate and make them. Lately they have done a really good job with their free throws.

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