Markeshia's Corner: Tournament Preview - South Carolina's road to Cigar City

🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is here, and the South Carolina Gamecocks are once again poised to make a deep run.

After finishing the regular season with an impressive 30-3 record and securing both the SEC regular season and tournament championships, Dawn Staley’s team enters March Madness with their sights set on a national title. But as always, the road to cutting down the net is never easy.

Let’s break down the Gamecocks’ path, key players, and the biggest threats standing in their way.

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The Standard of Excellence

South Carolina has established itself as one of the gold standards in women’s college basketball. Following their 2024 undefeated national championship season, this year’s team is determined to defend their crown and add another banner to the rafters. With a mix of experienced leaders, dynamic returners, and impressive newcomers, they are as dangerous as ever.

Key Players to Watch

Te-Hina Paopao (G, Sr.) – The Steady Veteran

The steady vet. A sniper and a calming presence when the pressure’s high for the Gamecocks. An All-SEC Second Team honoree, Paopao is due for one of those classic “That’s the Paopao we know” performances—knocking down threes, hitting floaters, hitting that smooth mid-range jumper, and dropping dimes. The time is NOW! 

Chloe Kitts (F) – Versatility at its Best

Chloe has leveled up and is making an impact on both ends of the floor. Fresh off an MVP performance in the SEC Tournament, she’s playing with a different kind of focus. She’s locked in, hungry, and ready to lead her squad on the biggest stage. Look for Chloe to take it up another notch. 

Sania Feagin (F) – The Anchor

Sania is peaking at the perfect time, playing her best basketball when it matters most. An SEC All-Defensive and All-Tournament team honoree, she’s the anchor for South Carolina. When she’s locked in, the Gamecocks follow—her energy sets the tone.

MiLaysia Fulwiley (G) – The X-Factor

The electric guard has taken her game to another level, bringing elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity. An SEC All-Tournament team honoree, she’s primed to shine on the NCAA’s biggest stage. Expect plenty more moments of “MiLaysia’s Magic” when the lights are brightest.

Joyce Edwards (F) – Freshman Phenom

Yes, Joyce—South Carolina’s leading scorer—in some regard has flown under the radar as one of the best bigs in the country. But, I think that’s about to change. We’ve seen flashes of her dominance all season, and I have a feeling we’re about to see the full picture. She’s smart, strategic, and fully aware of her impact. Expect Joyce to take it up another notch in the NCAA Tournament.

Tessa Johnson (G/F) – The Brains

Tournament Tessa showed us the full package—smooth mid-range, deadly from three, and tough finishes at the rim. But what really stood out? When she’s locked in and feeling challenged, she can strap up any team’s best player. She’s primed for another thrilling NCAA Tournament. 

Raven Johnson (PG) • Breezy Hall (Wing) – Defensive Minded 

Raven and Breezy are defending at a very high level. I expect them to take their intensity to next level and set the tone defensively for the Gamecocks in the NCAA Tournament. And don’t be surprised when they start knocking down big threes and hitting clutch buckets right on time.

Maddy McDaniel (Point Guard, Fr.) • Maryam Dauda (Forward, Jr.) – Crucial Roles

Maddy and Maryam will look to play very crucial roles for the Gamecocks in the NCAA Tournament as they did in the SEC Tournament. McDaniel has shown poise beyond her years, running the offense and creating opportunities with her court vision. On the other hand, Maryam showed her versatility against Oklahoma defending, rebounding, and scoring. 

Path to the Final Four

With the Final Four set for Tampa, South Carolina is locked in on punching its ticket to Cigar City. As the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham region, the Gamecocks are ready for a competitive path, starting with Tennessee Tech and a potential showdown with Indiana or Utah. But the real tests will come in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, where they could see Alabama, Maryland, or Norfolk State, followed by a battle with West Virginia, UNC, Vanderbilt, or Duke for the right to head to Tampa.

The Final Four is where legends are made, and South Carolina is built for the moment. A showdown with Notre Dame, Southern Cal, UConn, UCLA, or LSU could be another instant March Madness classic, but the Gamecocks aren’t new to this, they are true to this. With Coach Staley leading the way, South Carolina is battle-tested, experienced, and locked in. They know what it takes, and they’re ready to go get it!

Prediction

South Carolina has the depth, coaching, and championship DNA to run it back. The key? Locking in, defending at an elite level, and letting their depth wear teams down. If they keep dominating like they did in the SEC Tournament, the Gamecocks will be cutting down the nets in Tampa once again in 2025. Be on the look out for my game day preview of South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech on Friday, March 21, 2025. 

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🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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