South Carolina is once again the team to beat in the SEC Tournament. Former Gamecock Markeshia Grant breaks it down.

South Carolina Is Once Again the Team to Beat in the SEC Tournament: A Breakdown by Former Gamecock Markeshia Grant

As the SEC Tournament draws near, the South Carolina Gamecocks are once again positioned to make a deep run, reaffirming their status as one of the premier teams in college basketball. With a combination of seasoned leadership, elite talent, and an unyielding defensive identity, the Gamecocks are not only a formidable opponent but are also widely considered the team to beat in the tournament. To help break it down, former Gamecock Markeshia Grant offers her insights into what makes this team so dangerous and why South Carolina stands as the team to watch in 2025.

The Legacy of South Carolina Basketball

South Carolina’s ascent to national prominence, particularly in the SEC, didn’t happen overnight. The program, under head coach Dawn Staley, has built a consistent and powerful legacy. From NCAA Tournament appearances to SEC championships and Final Four berths, the Gamecocks have proven themselves as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball.

Markeshia Grant, a former standout player for South Carolina, knows the importance of this legacy. She played a crucial role during her tenure at the University of South Carolina, contributing to the rise of the program’s national stature. “When I played, we always knew that South Carolina was on the map,” Grant says. “Now, it’s more than that. It’s a force. We were contenders then, but this current group is taking things to another level. They are primed and ready for the SEC Tournament, and they’re going to give every team a run for their money.”

As the 2025 SEC Tournament approaches, the Gamecocks are aiming to extend their dominant run in the conference and prove once again that they are the team to beat.

Key Factors Behind South Carolina’s Success in 2025

To understand why South Carolina remains the team to beat, we must look at the key components of their roster and the strengths that set them apart from their SEC competitors.

1. A Stifling Defense

One of the cornerstones of South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC is their relentless defense. Under Coach Staley, the Gamecocks have built a defensive identity that is unmatched in the league. In 2025, they are ranked among the top teams in the nation in defensive efficiency, and their ability to shut down opponents makes them a nightmare for anyone they face in the tournament.

Former Gamecock Markeshia Grant credits this defensive mentality as a major reason for South Carolina’s sustained success. “Dawn has always emphasized defense,” Grant explains. “When I played, we always made sure to outwork our opponents on that side of the ball, and this team is no different. The Gamecocks’ ability to defend both the perimeter and the paint is what gives them an edge over other teams.”

South Carolina’s defensive prowess is not just about shutting down opponents’ plays; it’s about disrupting their flow and forcing turnovers. The Gamecocks excel in pressuring the ball, trapping the opposing team into mistakes, and converting those turnovers into fast-break points. With their size, athleticism, and intelligence, they are nearly impossible to break down.

2. Elite Talent on Both Sides of the Ball

While defense is the hallmark of their success, South Carolina’s offensive game should not be overlooked. The Gamecocks have developed an offense that blends efficiency with explosiveness. Their ability to control the tempo of the game, move the ball quickly, and execute in half-court sets has made them one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.

The team is led by a dynamic group of players who can take over at any moment. Star players like Zia Cooke, Aliyah Boston, and Laeticia Amihere have the versatility to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

• Aliyah Boston: One of the premier players in college basketball, Boston is a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Her ability to dominate inside, grab rebounds, and block shots makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Additionally, her leadership on the floor is invaluable, as she anchors the Gamecocks’ defense while providing the offensive firepower necessary to take over games.
• Zia Cooke: A dynamic guard, Cooke brings scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership to the Gamecocks’ offense. Her ability to shoot from the outside, attack the rim, and create opportunities for her teammates makes her an offensive weapon that teams struggle to defend.
• Laeticia Amihere: Amihere’s presence on both ends of the court adds a new dimension to South Carolina’s game. With her athleticism and versatility, Amihere can stretch the floor, finish in transition, and defend multiple positions. Her ability to be a factor on both sides of the ball allows the Gamecocks to be unpredictable in their schemes.

Markeshia Grant is quick to highlight the versatility of the Gamecocks’ roster: “They’ve got so many players who can score in different ways, and that’s what makes them so dangerous. From inside presence to outside shooting, they have it all. When you combine that with their defense, it’s hard to find a weak spot.”

3. Coaching Excellence and Experience

The Gamecocks’ success in the SEC Tournament also owes much to the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. A Hall of Famer, Staley has transformed South Carolina into a national powerhouse, and her ability to coach in high-pressure situations makes her invaluable come tournament time. Her experience in postseason play, including multiple NCAA championships, gives her an edge when it comes to preparing for the SEC Tournament.

Coach Staley’s emphasis on toughness, discipline, and team chemistry has helped cultivate a winning culture at South Carolina. She is known for adjusting her strategies based on her team’s strengths and weaknesses, and she has consistently shown that she can outcoach opponents in critical moments. “Dawn is a strategist,” says Grant. “She has a knack for getting the best out of her players, and she knows how to execute in clutch moments. The way she handles game planning and motivates her team is something special.”

The trust that Staley has in her players allows them to play with confidence and freedom. This creates a sense of unity and belief within the program that South Carolina can overcome any obstacle. As Grant mentions, “When you have a coach like Dawn who believes in you, you just want to give your best on the court.”

4. Depth and Bench Play

While South Carolina is known for its stars, one of the reasons they remain the team to beat in the SEC Tournament is their depth. The Gamecocks have one of the deepest rosters in the country, and this depth is crucial in the grueling tournament format. Players like Brea Beal and Kamilla Cardoso can come off the bench and provide immediate impact, whether it’s locking down on defense, hitting clutch shots, or securing rebounds.

The ability to rotate players in and out without sacrificing performance is a significant advantage, especially as the SEC Tournament progresses. With back-to-back games and a physically demanding schedule, having fresh legs and reliable bench players makes a world of difference. “The depth of this team is incredible,” Grant explains. “You can count on almost anyone to step up, and that gives South Carolina an edge over teams that rely on just a couple of star players.”

5. The Hunger for Another Championship

Finally, the Gamecocks’ motivation heading into the 2025 SEC Tournament is undeniable. After a dominant regular season, South Carolina is eager to add another championship to its growing collection of titles. The hunger for success, combined with the experience of having been to the tournament before, makes this team especially dangerous. They know what it takes to win, and they are determined to prove once again that they are the team to beat.

Markeshia Grant believes that this hunger sets the Gamecocks apart: “They’ve tasted success, and they want more. The players are driven to show that they are the best team in the SEC. That kind of motivation, combined with their talent and experience, makes them a formidable force.”