Markeshia Grant: Love saved room in their hearts for the unimaginable: Unimaginable success

“Perfection with a touch of sweet redemption,” said Ryan Ruocco.

As the buzzer sounded, Coach Dawn Staley turned towards the South Carolina women’s basketball FAMS in attendance at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and threw her hands up in elation to honor them. She then turned back towards the court in awe, as she watched her team celebrate a perfect 38-0 season and national championship.

At that point, Coach Staley is visibly experiencing an array of emotions, and is subsequently embraced by Chloe Kitts with a hug of appreciation. I’ve never seen coach this visibly emotional, especially after winning a National Championship. However, I know this one felt like a weight was lifted and they’d done the unthinkable. 

Last year, South Carolina’s pursuit of perfection came to an end with a 77-73 loss to Iowa. The irony in that is, that, that’s just the motivation Coach Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks needed to complete the mission of going undefeated against the same opponent this season.

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Game Highlights vs. Iowa

Shout out to the young trailblazing assistant coach, Winston Gandy for the scout on Iowa. He was instrumental in preparing the Gamecocks for one of their most impressive defensive showings of the season. 

Raven Johnson: The RAVENge Tour

Raven locked in and locked up. She was laser focused on slowing down the production of Iowa’s star guard Caitlin Clark. Raven Johnson vs. Caitlin Clark:

• Made her play for 40 minutes! 
• Slowed her down in transition and cut down her vision
• Sat on her left hand and made her go right while also playing her honest
• Crowded her space within legal guarding position
• Held her to just 3-11 from the field and 7 points while defending her
• Made her defend the 3 and dribble drives

Additionally, I think Raven’s steal and score against Clark right before the end of the first half, shifted the momentum going into the second half. Instead of being up by just one point, they were up three. That was a huge confidence boost for South Carolina to “finishing the job”.

While Raven was spectacular defensively, she also had 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists. What sweet revenge this was for her after a year long of constant reminders of how her “perceived” lack of 3-point shooting was—in last year’s matchup. Even though she was 50% from the 3. However, “that get back is a blankety blank”!

Up next for Raven: The repeat tour.

Kamilla Cardoso 

Kamilla was completely dominant on both ends of floor! She left her mark on this game in so many ways! From scoring, to rebounding, to blocking shots. The National Championship MVP finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds (7 offensive rebounds), 3 blocks on 50% shooting, and ring number two. Cardoso was intentional about establishing deep post position and scoring over and around Iowa’s bigs. Also, she made some impressive blocks to stop Iowa’s momentum during crucial moments throughout the game. Thank you, Kamilla for an amazing NCAA tournament showing! Your legacy is forever etched in our hearts and in South Carolina’s women’s basketball history! The WNBA awaits you! Go be your most dominant self!

Tessa Johnson

The legacy of number 5 continues through Tessa Johnson! Number 5 is the number that Coach Staley used to wear during her playing days. Only a chosen few have been “dawned” with the opportunity to wear that number. Just think about former players like myself, Khadijah Sessions and Victoria Saxton—what an honor. Tessa is in great company!

Furthermore, Tessa Johnson did her BIG one in the biggest game, on the biggest day, in the biggest way! She led all Gamecock scorers with 19 points. She was poised, she was patient and, she was calculating! She was lethal in transition! Always with her eyes up and hands ready to shoot! She hit three 3s overall, two were in transition and one from a quick pass from Raven off of their double ball-screen action against the zone.

She also hit several mid-range jumpers by just seeing what the defense was giving her. She and MiLaysia Fulwiely were the momentum shift that South Carolina needed off the bench! Tessa made the Final 4’s All Tournament team! I’m excited to see how she builds off this amazing performance and season. 

Chloe Kitts

In just 17 minutes of play, Chloe made a huge impact versus Iowa. She finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds (6 offensive rebounds) on 62% shooting. She went on an offensive run by herself to open the second half of play with a drive to the basket for an easy layup and knocked down a one dribble short corner 15 footer. She also got a huge put-back layup to put the gamecocks up 13 late. I’m excited to see her growth going into another full summer with Body by Binetti and her junior season! Her potential at the 4 position is limitless! Yeahhhhh Chlo!

Te-Hina Paopao

Paopao. YES. YES. The most efficient 3-point shooter in NCAA women’s basketball this season hit clutch 3s in the biggest moments. A drive and kick from MiLaysia for 3! A touch pass from MiLaysia for 3! And a huge 3 right before the end of the first half to put South Carolina by one. She did what she needed to do to help her team get the win! Love that she made the decision to come to South Carolina and happy that she is running it back for another season! 

Bench Production aka “Seatbelt Gang”

The South Carolina bench had 37 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals versus Iowa with Tessa Johnson leading all South Carolina scorers with 19 points. MiLaysia Fulwiley added 9 points, 4 assist, and 4 rebounds, Sania Feagin added 6 points and 4 rebounds, and Ashlyn Watkins added 5 rebounds. 

Nothing Beats Love

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