Witnessing a momentous event, the South Carolina Gamecocks clinched the NCAA Women’s Championship by triumphing over the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75. South Carolina excelled in all aspects, from reserve points to rebounds and defense. Iowa was unable to match their exceptional three-point shooting and physicality.

A year ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated South Carolina, ruining their flawless season in the Final Four. This time around, the Gamecocks emerged victorious, completing a flawless 38-0 record for the season.

Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks secured their place in history on Sunday. This victory was particularly sweet for Gamecocks’ sophomore guard Raven Johnson.

The Gamecocks’ 87-75 triumph makes them only the 10th team in Women’s NCAA history to cap off a flawless season. Dawn Staley has established a dynasty during her time as South Carolina’s head coach. Since taking over from Susan Walvius in 2008-2009, she has guided the Gamecocks to three national titles.

Furthermore, she has captured three championship trophies in the past seven seasons. Throughout the last decade, she has coached 10 WNBA first-round picks, soon to be 11.

Prior to the pivotal game of the year, Staley attended the UConn vs. Iowa matchup. She meticulously crafted a strategy to maximize the potential of each player on her team. Staley found a way to contain Caitlin Clark, the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, which speaks volumes.

In an eagerly anticipated showdown, Staley tactfully devised a plan to outmaneuver the Hawkeyes on the court and utilize their depth and size advantage.

Despite finishing the 2022-2023 season with a 36-1 record, replacing the previous season’s achievements was a formidable challenge.

Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks etched their names in history

South Carolina not only concluded their first perfect season in program history but also made a historic achievement as Staley became the first black Division 1 basketball coach, in men’s or women’s leagues, to guide her team to an undefeated season.

Staley successfully revamped her roster after losing all five starters–Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, Laeticia Amihere, and Victaria Saxton–to the 2023 WNBA Draft.

Johnson became a subject of numerous memes and viral moments following the disrespect she faced in their previous encounter. In last year’s Final Four, Clark dismissed Johnson, leaving her unguarded at the three-point line. Despite having a clear shot opportunity, Johnson opted to pass. Following that game, Johnson admitted to reviewing the footage over 100 times.

One year after the March Madness tournament, Johnson found herself assigned as the primary defensive stopper against Caitlin Clark. While Johnson struggled offensively, she was entrusted with containing the Iowa sensation. Clark managed to only shoot 5-21 from the field when guarded by Johnson.

After accumulating 18 first-half points, coach Staley made a strategic adjustment, subbing in Bree Hall to guard Clark instead of Johnson. Known for her defensive prowess, Johnson tallied four steals and two blocks. She executed her role flawlessly, possibly one of the most challenging tasks for any team member.

Before the game, Johnson had a simple defensive mantra in mind, “don’t let her [Clark] score.” The previous year’s defeat had a personal impact on her, influencing her defensive mindset:

“I was ready for the moment and take defense very hard, said Raven Johnson. “I studied her moves[ Caitlin Clark], and I was ready–I had confidence this year, and I was telling myself last year wasn’t going to happen again.”

Caitlin Clark was effectively neutralized by Raven Johnson

In the end, Clark couldn’t lead her team to a National Championship, concluding with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on a 10-28 shooting performance. Falling short of clinching a championship for the second consecutive year, let’s not overlook the exceptional work done by coach Lisa Bluder and the Iowa program.

While Clark owned the spotlight throughout the season, it was the collective effort from her teammates and friends that truly defined the Iowa squad. Sophomore standout Hannah Stuelke, a rising talent, contributed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship game.

Despite South Carolina being heavily favored heading into the championship game, Iowa managed to secure a 27-20 lead in the first quarter. Beginning with a 10-0 run, sparked by a Kate Martin three-pointer, the Hawkeyes appeared untouchable. It was only with Te-Hina Paopao‘s three-point shot, giving South Carolina a lead with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Holding a 49-47 lead at halftime, the Gamecocks maintained their advantage. Paopao, who transferred to South Carolina for moments like this, tallied 14 points, shooting 75 percent from beyond the arc. She announced her commitment to return for the upcoming season.

Kamilla Cardoso excelled on the boards

With defensive stalwart Kamilla Cardoso anchoring South Carolina, it was the bench players who shone. Possessing one of the deepest rosters in the nation, South Carolina’s bench delivered 37 points for Staley’s squad. While the scoring was evenly spread among the 10-player lineup, it was the freshmen who particularly stood out.

Tessa Johnson, a native of Minnesota, was recruited by Staley to provide an offensive spark off the bench in her debut season. Standing at 6’1, Johnson averaged 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Despite starting only twice in 35 games played, Johnson proved to be a reliable member of Staley’s rotation off the bench.

However, it became evident that the freshman guard was recruited with a purpose, eventually earning Coach Staley’s trust. As the NCAA tournament unfolded, so did Johnson’s impact on the team. Following a season-high 30-minute outing against Presbyterian in the opening round, the former McDonald’s All-American showcased why she’s a valuable asset to the squad.

She contributed a combined 26 points against UNC in the Sweet 16 and Oregon State in the Elite Eight. Johnson earned 25 minutes of playing time against Iowa and excelled on the grandest stage.

South Carolina’s freshmen showcased their talent

Tessa Johnson enjoyed a remarkable performance, posting a career-best 19 points on 7-11 shooting (63.6 percent) from the field and 3-6 (50 percent) from beyond the arc in front of a massive audience of 18.9 million viewers. Let’s call it the “Tessa Johnson effect.” Whether on fast breaks or in the paint, Johnson was a scoring threat.

For Dawn Staley, her game rotations were meticulously planned for this encounter. While Iowa’s bench failed to contribute any points, the Gamecocks capitalized on this advantage. Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley illustrated why she is considered a generational talent. Standing at 5’10, she showcased a unique blend of quickness, speed, and finesse on the court. In 18 minutes, she tallied nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and one block.

Overall, every player in Staley’s roster played a pivotal role in the championship game. Employing a dual big-man strategy with Cardoso and Chloe Kitts proved to be a masterstroke, especially against the relatively smaller Hawkeyes.

Each player, from Ashlyn Watkins to Sania Feagin, played a part in the victory. It was the collective team effort that impressed the most. While many coaches tend to reduce rotations during key games, Staley showcased to the nation who truly belongs on her team.

Kamilla Cardoso significantly enhanced her draft prospects on Sunday. Declaring for the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft as a senior, the center showcased her skills admirably, even while battling an injury. Sustaining a knee injury in the Final Four matchup against NC State, she received treatment to ensure her participation in the championship.

South Carolina Gamecocks were too powerful in depth and size

The fundamental difference was the size advantage held by the South Carolina Gamecocks over the Iowa Hawkeyes, primarily due to Cardoso’s towering 6’7 frame. Cardoso posed problems for opponents throughout the season and demonstrated her prowess in the title game. Despite Staley managing her playing time effectively, Cardoso posted 15 points along with a career-best 17 rebounds.

A significant portion of these came from the defensive end, where she helped control the boards and generate second-chance opportunities for the Gamecocks. South Carolina dominated Iowa on the boards, outrebounding them 51-29.

Named the Most Outstanding Player, Cardoso left everything on the court in her final collegiate game. In addition to three blocks and two assists, the Brazilian native displayed prowess on both ends of the floor. As Iowa persisted with inside drives, Cardoso stood firm as a defensive bulwark.

With several and-one opportunities, not even Iowa standout Hannah Stuelke could hinder her performance. Outscoring Iowa 48-32 in the paint, Chloe Kitts contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Sunday saw a clash between the nation’s most outstanding offense (Iowa) against the premier defense (South Carolina).

After the game, coach Staley was overcome with emotion. During a post-game interview with Holly Rowe, Staley remarked, “We serve an unbelievable god,” before tearing up.

Her steadfast dedication to the program has always been underpinned by her unwavering faith and belief in God, which made this exceptional season possible.

Kudos to both teams. Despite the outcome, the growth and development of both squads have laid the groundwork for the future of women’s basketball for years to come.