Team USA has won the U18 AmeriCup title after a closer-than-expected contest against Canada. One part of the game that was expected, though, was that South Carolina basketball freshman Joyce Edwards was the best player on the floor.
In what would become an uncomfortable 80-69 win for the Americans, the red, white, and blue didn't have their best showing. Edwards had some key buckets to keep the Canadians at bay, and her defensive effort helped force 20 turnovers and hold the neighbors to the North to 36% shooting from the field.
Team USA never led by more than 12 points, and their typical huge advantage in rebounding, fouls, and turnovers was not present. In fact, the score was tied 36-36 until the future South Carolina basketball star canned a deep 3-pointer to put America up by three points heading into halftime.
You can check out the whole box score here.
Edwards was spectacular. She scored 16 points (2nd-best on the team) on 6/11 shooting and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds. She also had 5 steals, made both of her 3-point attempts, and led Team USA in +/- and minutes played. Unlike the team's blowout wins over Brazil, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Argentina, Team USA needed their captain to have a great game, and she delivered.
Thanks to her strong tournament, Joyce Edwards was named the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup Most Valuable Player.
Class of 2025 South Carolina basketball recruiting target Jazzy Davidson had a solid showing with 9 points and 4 rebounds but didn't play as much as one might expect because fellow wing Kennedy Smith was the hot hand, leading the team with 18 points.
Edwards and Team USA have qualified for the 2025 U19 World Cup thanks to their showing in Colombia over the last week. The tournament win was the Americans' 11th-straight AmeriCup gold medal.