Overcoming Ashlyn Watkins’ Anguished Absence, 18-Year-Old Freshman Fulfills Unspoken Demand Against Texas

On a crisp January night in 2025, South Carolina’s women’s basketball team faced a formidable challenge. The Texas Longhorns, with their intimidating defense and well-rounded offensive play, were in town for a highly anticipated showdown. But the Gamecocks’ coach, Dawn Staley, had an added obstacle to overcome: the sudden, painful absence of one of her brightest stars, Ashlyn Watkins, who had been sidelined due to an injury that left a void on both ends of the floor.

Ashlyn Watkins, a talented freshman forward for South Carolina, had quickly become an integral part of the Gamecocks’ rotation. Her combination of athleticism, versatility, and tenacity had made her an immediate impact player, and her absence left a significant hole in the Gamecocks’ game plan. As the team prepared to face Texas, it became clear that the pressure was on other players to step up and shoulder the weight of Watkins’ role. Among the players tasked with filling this gap was 18-year-old freshman Kamilla Cardoso, who had already shown promise earlier in the season.

The Gamecocks would need more than just a good performance—they needed someone who could take charge in the absence of Watkins, a player who had proven to be an essential piece of the puzzle. The question was whether they could still manage a win against Texas without the dynamic presence of Watkins. On this night, it would be Cardoso who answered the call, fulfilling an unspoken demand and propelling South Carolina to a resounding victory.

Ashlyn Watkins’ Absence: A Challenge for South Carolina

Ashlyn Watkins’ absence hit South Carolina hard, not only emotionally but strategically. The 6-foot-4 freshman forward from North Carolina had impressed both coaches and fans with her ability to impact games on both sides of the ball. On offense, she had showcased a versatile scoring game that could stretch the floor, shooting from the perimeter, driving to the basket, and creating opportunities for her teammates. Defensively, Watkins’ length, agility, and quickness made her a formidable force in the post, and she was known for her ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Her sudden injury left South Carolina in a precarious situation, especially as they prepared to take on a Texas team that had been steadily rising in the national rankings. The Longhorns, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, boasted a tough, gritty defense, and their offense was built around a strong inside-out game that would test South Carolina’s defense. Watkins was one of the players who could match the physicality of Texas, and her absence required the team to make adjustments—particularly on the defensive end.

With Watkins on the bench, South Carolina needed to rely on the depth of their roster. While Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ standout player, would undoubtedly shoulder a large portion of the load, it was clear that other players would need to step up. One player who quickly became a key figure in filling the gap was Kamilla Cardoso.

Kamilla Cardoso Steps Up: An Unspoken Demand Met

Kamilla Cardoso, the 18-year-old freshman center from Brazil, had been on the Gamecocks’ radar for some time. At 6-foot-7, she possessed an incredible combination of size and skill, and her potential had always been evident. However, the task of filling the void left by Watkins was no small feat. As a freshman, Cardoso’s moments of brilliance had been balanced by moments of inexperience. But with Watkins out of the lineup, Cardoso had no choice but to step into the spotlight and perform on the grand stage.

Against Texas, Cardoso’s performance exceeded expectations. From the opening tip, she was an active presence on both ends of the floor, doing everything from grabbing key rebounds to blocking shots and scoring efficiently. Her size and strength in the post were critical to neutralizing Texas’ offensive game plan, and her ability to finish inside helped provide much-needed points for the Gamecocks. Cardoso finished the game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks, establishing herself as a dominant force in the paint.

One of Cardoso’s most impressive contributions came defensively. Texas had hoped to attack South Carolina inside, and without Watkins, they may have thought they had an advantage. However, Cardoso proved to be more than up to the challenge. She blocked several shots and altered many more, forcing Texas into difficult attempts around the rim. In addition to her individual efforts, Cardoso’s presence allowed the Gamecocks to maintain their aggressive defensive schemes, helping them stifle Texas’ inside game.

On offense, Cardoso’s confidence and versatility were on full display. While Boston remained the focal point of the Gamecocks’ attack, Cardoso provided a crucial second option. Her size allowed her to finish in the post, but she also demonstrated a surprising skill for passing, setting up teammates and keeping Texas’ defense honest. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas helped South Carolina keep the tempo of the game in their favor, and it was clear that Cardoso had answered the unspoken demand placed on her by her teammates, coaches, and fans.

Her performance not only highlighted her potential but also showed the depth of talent South Carolina possessed. In the past, the Gamecocks had relied on their stars, particularly Boston, to carry them through tough games. However, with the absence of Watkins, it was clear that the Gamecocks’ collective effort and depth of talent would be crucial in their pursuit of another national title. Cardoso’s performance against Texas exemplified the team-first mentality that Staley has instilled in her players.

The Importance of Depth and Team Mentality

While Cardoso’s standout performance was certainly a key factor in South Carolina’s victory, the Gamecocks’ ability to play as a cohesive unit was also critical. As much as individual talent plays a role in South Carolina’s success, their ability to function as a team is what separates them from many other programs in women’s college basketball. The Gamecocks showed just how deep they were, with several players stepping up in different areas to support Cardoso and the team as a whole.

Aliyah Boston, while dealing with increased pressure as the primary offensive option, was still a dominant force. She finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the glass and providing leadership in the post. Boston’s ability to step up in big moments is well-documented, and her performance against Texas further solidified her status as one of the best players in the country.

Zia Cooke, another of South Carolina’s key players, contributed 16 points, providing crucial perimeter shooting to keep the Longhorns from collapsing entirely on Boston and Cardoso. Cooke’s ability to hit timely shots and spread the floor was vital to the Gamecocks’ offensive balance.

Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere also provided solid contributions, combining for 12 points, 8 rebounds, and multiple assists. Beal’s defensive presence was especially important as she helped contain Texas’ offensive threats, while Amihere’s versatility allowed her to make an impact in various areas of the game. The depth of South Carolina’s roster was evident, as multiple players contributed to the victory in different capacities.

Despite the loss of Watkins, the Gamecocks maintained their defensive identity, with pressure defense and solid team rotations preventing Texas from finding easy shots. The win was a testament to the depth and resilience of the South Carolina program. In the absence of one key player, others emerged to ensure that the team maintained its dominance.

A Win With Bigger Implications

The victory over Texas was more than just a statement win—it was a clear indicator of South Carolina’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Injuries are a part of the game, but it is how a team responds to those setbacks that often determines its success in the long run. For South Carolina, the loss of Ashlyn Watkins could have been a debilitating blow, but instead, the team rose to the occasion.

Kamilla Cardoso’s performance was a defining moment in South Carolina’s season. It demonstrated that, while the Gamecocks may have lost a star player, they had others who were more than capable of stepping up. This type of depth is exactly what coach Dawn Staley has worked to cultivate at South Carolina—an environment in which every player is ready to contribute and no one player is irreplaceable.

Looking ahead, South Carolina will need continued contributions from players like Cardoso, Cooke, Beal, and Amihere if they are to achieve their ultimate goal of another national championship. While Ashlyn Watkins’ absence will undoubtedly be felt, the Gamecocks have shown that they have the talent, depth, and resilience to navigate such challenges. As the season progresses, it is clear that this team is built to overcome obstacles and perform on the biggest stages.