Gamecocks Begin Life Without all star player — Early Signs Look Promising
The Focus Beyond the Score
The final score — a dominant 112–31 victory over Anderson — wasn’t what really mattered for No. 2 South Carolina. What everyone wanted to see was how the Gamecocks would perform without Chloe Kitts, the two-year starter now sidelined and watching from the bench with crutches.
Filling the Void in the Lineup
In Kitts’ absence, Joyce Edwards slid into the starting forward role, even though she was expected to remain in her sixth-woman position where she led the team in scoring last season. Madina Okot, a transfer from Mississippi State, controlled the paint, while Tessa Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson (a transfer from Florida State), and fifth-year senior Raven Johnson rounded out the starting five.
The Opponent Factor
Anderson, a Division II program that won 24 games last season, provided limited resistance. Any statistical dominance by South Carolina must be taken with caution — but the effort and chemistry still answered an important question: Can this team withstand the loss of a key starter?
Encouraging Depth Despite Challenges
For now, the answer appears to be yes. Still, there’s a caveat. The Gamecocks are down to only 10 active players, meaning another injury could seriously test their depth.
“We’re at a place where we lose a key piece like Chloe, the system still is intact,” coach Dawn Staley explained. “It’s not falling off. We just have to have players play to their strengths.”
Standout Performances
Okot was a force inside, finishing with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks, while showing quicker footwork and better defensive range than she displayed at Mississippi State. Edwards, after a slightly rushed start, found her rhythm and led all scorers with 27 points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.
What’s Next
The Gamecocks’ next test comes against No. 11 North Carolina in another exhibition matchup in Atlanta on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. — a tougher challenge that will further reveal how well this new lineup can hold up without Kitts.
