Two SEC games. Two wins by an average of 21 points. The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks (14-0, 2-0) keep churning out wins while showing no weaknesses.
On the road against Florida in their SEC opener, South Carolina was propelled to the 89-66 win by senior guard Te-Hina Paopao, who was 4-for-5 from 3 on her way to a game-high 17 points. The Gamecocks welcomed Mississippi State to Columbia on Sunday afternoon, when the Bulldogs were treated to a behind-the-arc burst from junior guard Bree Hall. Hall went 3-for-4 from 3 as she led the Gamecocks with 15 points in the 85-66 victory.
South Carolina’s increased offensive prowess—in part due to the team’s improved proficiency from beyond the 3-point line—combined with their always on-point defense begs the question: Is this the best team of the Dawn Staley era?
Considering Staley has steered the Gamecocks to two national titles led by all-timers in A’ja Wilson (2016-17) and Aliyah Boston (2021-22), proposing such a possibility might seem preposterous. It’s also a bit premature; it’s still early January, leaving plenty of time for twists and turns that could alter our assessment of the Gamecocks. But, it’s not an absolutely crazy proposition. That this season’s squad is thriving due to depth and balance suggests…
