If there were any questions about how Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson would fit into the South Carolina squad, consider it answered. The nation's former scoring leader opened her Gamecock career with a 20-point performance in just 24 minutes, leading No. 2 South Carolina to a 94-54 dismantling of Grand Canyon on Monday night.
Latson didn't just make a good first impression, she owned the moment. She scored the first bucket of the season, sliced through the defenders for a layup moments later, and set the tone for a Gamecock squad that came out with the urgency of ateam chasing banners. By the five-minute mark, it was a double-digit game. And by the half, it was a rout, 60-31.
A Classic Staley Start
This was South Carolina's 15th consecutive season-opening win under Staley, and it carried her signature all over it with fierce defense, fluid offense, and every player touching the ball.
Latson wasn't the only one lighting up the scoreboard. Every starter hit double figures: Tessa Johnson pulled in 19 points, Joyce Edwards added 13, Madina Okot posted 12 in her debut as well, and Raven Johnson stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, flirting with a triple-double.
The chemistry between the Johnson & Johnson duo was clicking on Monday night, with both Tessa and Raven hitting three shots from beyond the arc.
The Future Is Bright in Columbia
There were four Gamecocks who made their debuts, but they each looked like seasoned players. Okot and Latson both started, while freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell came off the bench and made their presence known. McDowell added nine points and a steal. Makeer contributed five points, two blocks, and a dose of that trademark Gamecock length in the paint.
South Carolina dominated inside, outscoring Grand Canyon 40-18 in the paint and moving the ball with precision. All ten players saw the floor, with nine of them registering at least one bucket.
As we embark on the 2025-26 college basketball season, one thing is clear when it comes to Daw Staley's squad. They aren't just rebuilding, they are reloading. And with a player like Latson leading the charge, the rest of the nation has officially been put on notice.
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is back in action Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm. at Colonial Life Arena.