South Carolina Basketball: Incoming Gamecock named McDonald's All-American Game MVP

Tuesday was a big day for South Carolina basketball signee Joyce Edwards.

In the morning, less than a week after being named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Edwards was named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year. She was presented with the Morgan Wootten trophy during the lead-up to the McDonald's All-American Game in Houston, Texas.

She wasn't done picking up trophies on the day, though.

After a dominant second half in the McDonald's All-American Game, Edwards was named co-MVP of the event along with East teammate Sarah Strong. Edwards finished the game as the leading scorer as her final shooting line read 8-9 from the field for 19 points. 8 of her points came in the 3rd quarter as Edwards scored from midrange, on post-ups, and after offensive rebounds. Her efforts were a big reason why the East dominated the West 98-74.

For what it's worth, both Edwards and Strong are listed at 6'2", but Edwards appeared to be taller when the duo took their MVP photos after the game.

As a prospect, Edwards is the top two-way player in the class of 2024 and has been ranked as the #1 player in the class at times. She has been called the top defensive player in the '24 cycle, and her offensive game has plenty of upside, as well.

With South Carolina basketball losing Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA this offseason, Edwards will have a chance to find early playing time for Dawn Staley's Gamecocks next season. She likely will battle with rising juniors Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts, rising senior Sania Feagin, and fellow incoming freshman Adhel Tac for the majority of the post minutes in the 2024-2025 season.

Some additional good Gamecock news came from the McDonald's All-American Game. Another South Carolina basketball signee, 5-star guard Maddy McDaniel, dressed out for the game. McDaniel has been dealing with a knee injury, and though she was unavailable to play, she traveled to Houston for the festivities and looked comfortable walking around and congratulating her teammates during the game.