Markeshia's Corner: Veteran leadership leads to 11th straight Sweet 16 and matchup with Maryland

🏀🔥 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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Fueled by a huge second-half surge from its veteran core, South Carolina clinched a hard-earned victory against Indiana. This highlights the leadership and experience that continues to drive this team forward. The win marks the Gamecocks’ 11th straight Sweet 16 appearance, which is the second-longest active streak in the nation.

Game Highlights

• 11th Straight Sweet 16 Berth
• 11 point margin of victory
• Three players in double figures – Chloe, Sania, and Breezy
• 14 assists
• WON the rebounding battle 37-27
• 7 steals
• 7 blocks
• 21 bench points

Standout Performances 

Veteran Leadership 

Chloe Kitts – Versatility at Its Best

Chloe battled foul trouble in the first half, but she came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists to help lift South Carolina to victory.

Sania Feagin – The Anchor 

Sania showcased her veteran leadership in crucial moments throughout the game, helping to secure the win. She finished with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, stepping up when the Gamecocks needed her most.

Te-Hina Paopao – The Steady Veteran

Paopao provided a steady presence for South Carolina against Indiana, contributing across the board with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Her poise, defensive stops (she’s now a part of Seatbelt Gang), and playmaking helped swing the momentum when the Gamecocks needed it most.

Breezy “Clutch Gene” Hall

Paopao blocked Shay Ciezki’s shot, pushed the ball up the floor, and hit Raven with a perfect bounce pass. Raven drove the lane, then kicked it out to Breezy, who knocked down the THREEZY to put the Gamecocks up 45-33 with 4:40 left in the third. Breezy led all scorers with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

Raven “Hollywood” Johnson

Raven was locked in defensively, and she had one of those moments where her steal was so fast, the TV camera didn’t even catch it. That’s how quick her hands are and how effortlessly she takes the ball from her opponent.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang Shows Up

South Carolina’s bench didn’t deliver its typical scoring output, but key contributions came from Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, “Tournament Tessa” (Tessa Johnson), and Maddy McDaniel who stepped up when needed. They combined for 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, playing vital roles in the team’s success.

South Carolina got the job done against Indiana and now they’re moving on to the next challenge–the Maryland Terps. With the defense locked in and veterans leading the way, the Gamecocks are ready to keep pushing toward their goal of another national championship title.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Maryland Terps – Sweet 16 

Last season, South Carolina dominated Maryland 114-76 at Colonial Life Arena. While both teams have evolved since then and are vastly different, there are clear differences that I believe give the Gamecocks the advantage in this matchup.

Gamecocks Advantage

South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, rebounding ability, speed, and experience give them the edge in this matchup. Maryland plays six to seven players consistently while South Carolina will play as many as 12 on any given night.

Key matchups 

Guards vs. Kaylene Smikle

She’s Maryland’s top scorer, averaging 17.8 PPG, and can take over big games. She looks to score every time she touches the ball. However, defensively, she’s prone to fouls. South Carolina’s guards need to stay aggressive, attack her off the dribble, and apply pressure. Getting her in foul trouble early could shift the momentum in the Gamecocks’ favor.

Guards vs. Shyanne Sellers

Sellers is Maryland’s second-leading scorer and their emotional leader. When the game gets tough, she’s the one they rely on to step up. She’s deadly with the mid-range jumper but isn’t afraid to take the three or drive to the basket. South Carolina will need to defend her without fouling. Defensively, she’s been a bit slower lately, but she’s always looking to take charges and create momentum for her team.

Guard Advantages

South Carolina everything—defense, veteran leadership, experience, playmaking, and point guard play.

Guard Defense

South Carolina’s guards need to set the tone defensively from tip-off.

• Match their intensity – This is the NCAA Tournament—there’s no room to let up. South Carolina must bring the energy, set the tone, and dictate the pace from the jump. The Gamecocks need to keep the main thing, the making thing.
• BOX OUT – No second-chance points. Guards need to crash the boards and finish the play with a box out.
• Defend without fouling – Don’t bail them out. Stay disciplined, move your feet, and keep them off the free throw line. South Carolina will need to play smart, play physical, but keep them off the line.
• Pressure them – Maryland guards are averaging about 2 turnovers per game, So the Gamecocks will need to apply pressure, force turnovers, and turn defense into offense.

Posts vs. Christina Dolce

Dolce is a relentless workhorse and a rebounding machine, always fighting for putbacks and extra possessions for her team. The post players will need to box her out and limit her impact on the boards. Defensively, she’s prone to fouls, averaging 3.2 per game, so staying aggressive could put her in foul trouble.

Post Advantages

The Gamecocks have one of the deepest frontcourts in the tournament—whether it’s scoring inside, dominating the glass, or locking down the paint, this group gives them a serious edge in wearing teams down. That’s going to be key against Maryland, who only rotates two post players and runs a four-guard lineup. South Carolina’s size, depth, and physicality should be a problem for the Terps all game long.

Post Defense

Maryland’s posts are undersized and does not have a lot of depth, so the Gamecocks need to:

• Use their depth to their advantage – Rotate fresh legs and wear them down.
• Own the Glass/Win the Rebounding Battle – No second chances. Box out, secure rebounds, and control the paint.
• Stay Out of Foul Trouble – Defend without fouling.
• Run the Floor – Use athleticism to beat their bigs down the court—set the tone in transition, and finish at the rim.
• Attack them on offense because they are foul prone.

Keys to the Win

1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and handle business.
2. Set the tone early – Come out aggressive and establish control of the game from the start.
3. Lock in on defense – Disrupt their rhythm, pressure the ball, and take away the three.
4. Bench production – The Seatbelt Gang leads the nation with 42 bench PPG—depth will be a difference-maker. 
5. Win the rebounding battle / WIN THE PAINT – When South Carolina wins the glass, they win the game. Dominate inside.
6. Take care of the ball – Smart decisions, ball movement, and unselfish play will help with taking care of the ball.
7. Stay focused and execute – Lock in from tip. No let-ups.
8. Balanced scoring attack – When everyone eats, the Gamecocks WIN. 
9. Play hard, play smart, play disciplined, play, and act like champions!
10. Have fun!

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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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