Undefeated. Undisputed. Unusual favor.
The Gamecocks had posted back-to-back undefeated seasons going into the well-anticipated nationwide championship matchup in opposition to Iowa. Led by Daybreak Staley, their ardour, drive, and motivation had been evident all yr—their dominant roster contains standout freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, and WNBA draft Kamilla Cardoso to call just a few. As for his or her head coach, nicely, her resume speaks for itself: four-time Naismith Coach of the Yr and, up till this level, had led the Gamecocks to 2 ‘chips.
The showdown between Iowa and South Carolina lived as much as the hype. In the long run, South Carolina proved, but once more, why they’re the most effective of the most effective. They finally defeated the Hawkeyes, 87-75.
We haven’t stopped interested by how iconic that championship recreation was. Right here, we relive the big-time blocks, standout performances, Daybreak’s epic speech and extra.
Pregame: Aliyah Boston, WNBA ROY and Broadcaster
Aaliyah Boston, who led the Gamecocks to a nationwide championship again in 2022 and is now a star on the Indiana Fever, has expanded her off-court ventures into broadcasting. For the Last 4, she joined the on-air studio crew and was additionally a sideline reporter in the course of the nationwide championship recreation.
Whether or not she was sharing her experience and data of the sport or interviewing her former faculty coach, Boston was a star throughout all the broadcast. Our favourite half? This very particular second she shared with Staley, simply minutes after South Carolina received the title.
Massive Power on the Boards
The Gamecocks had been straight up dominant within the paint in opposition to Iowa. Cardoso racked up 17 rebounds and ahead Chloe Kitts adopted proper behind her with 10 boards.
…From Threeeeee!
The “fearless” freshman Tessa Johnson was cooking all evening lengthy—hitting photographs from deep, making loopy layups within the paint and placing on a 19-point efficiency coming off the bench. Then there have been standouts Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson, who hit clutch photographs for the Gamecocks.
The Artistry of MiLaysia
She’s solely a freshman, however MiLaysia Fulwiley has proven all season, and particularly within the event, that she’s a star within the making. Fulwiley confirmed up on each ends of the ground—from loopy dimes to steals and making performs. We are able to’t wait to see her recreation solely to proceed to evolve.
You’ll be able to learn extra about MiLaysia in our latest participant highlight:
The Brilliance of Daybreak Staley
The GOAT. This third championship title has solely proceed to solidify what we’ve all the time recognized: she’s the best. Interval.
“…My freshies are on the high of my coronary heart as a result of they wished this. And I hope we will erase no matter ache they’d final yr, experiencing not having the ability to end it right here. So I’m simply tremendous proud the place I work,” Staley mentioned per GMA.
As we’ve talked about earlier than in her SLAM cowl, she is a school basketball writer of evolution. Her legacy will final eternally.
Featured picture by way of Getty Pictures.