The South Carolina Women’s basketball team was unstoppable from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, securing their seventh Southeastern Conference (SEC) title in the past nine seasons. Making the tournament more special was that it was held in Greenville, only a short drive from Spartanburg. The tournament was played in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. In the final game of the championship, the Gamecocks dominated against the Tennessee Volunteers and won by a score of 78-58. South Carolina’s record is now 32-0, continuing to improve upon their first ever undefeated regular season.

The City of Greenville, through Greenville Area District and VisitGreenvilleSC, and the SEC have entered into a three-year deal for the tournament to be held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, starting in 2023 through 2025. The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is quickly becoming one of Greenville’s favorite annual events and the city is thrilled to be selected as the location for the tournaments. Some other teams that played in the tournament included LSU, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas A&M.

Assistant Principal Lavetta Collins attended the SEC tournament in Greenville.  She loves the South Carolina women’s basketball program and attends the games regularly.

“It was the most attended game in SEC history, and it was a really fun and lively game. Zia Cooke was a huge part in the success of the team in the game.  I think she is number one on the team,” Collins said.

Guard Zia Cooke led the Gamecocks in scoring with 24 points. Forward Aliyah Boston had 18 points and 7 rebounds. Boston and Cooke were named to the SEC All- Tournament Team.  Boston was named the tournament MVP for the second time in her career and is predicted to be the number one draft pick in April’s WMBA draft. Kamilla Cardoso was also an effective player during the game. Cardoso plays center and she finished the game strong, scoring 13 points in the second half. Guard Raven Johnson stepped up in a new career high 14 points.

Ki’Dai’Jah Ferguson (11), first year varsity basketball player, loves game and is motivated by the South Carolina head coach, Dawn Staley. She enjoys watching the Gamecocks play to help her learn more about basketball herself.

“When watching the game in person it looked like Dawn Staley always knew that her team was in control. She is very humble when it comes to an intense basketball game. The atmosphere was so exciting, and you could feel the good energy getting contagious every minute. It was so much fun to watch,” Ferguson said.

South Carolina previously played the Arkansas Razorbacks on March 2 and won by a score of 93-66. The team also played the Ole Miss Rebels on March 3 and beat them by a score of 80-51.

Kamryn Sainvil (10), two year varsity basketball player, loves the passion and energy that the team creates on the court. She loves how the energy of the players can spread to everyone in the arena.

“The atmosphere was so energetic, and the way the fans were into the game. I liked that Dawn Staley lets them just play ball naturally, and I like the way she works with her coaching staff to work together to create a team to remember,” Sainvil said.