Dawn Staley’s SEC Streak Hangs “At the Mercy” of Texas’ 19YO Star As HC Relies on One Plan

With South Carolina and Texas alternating between 1st and 2nd spots in the NET rankings, this showdown already promises to be a nail-biter. Dawn Staley’s squad is riding high with just one defeat so far (15-1, 3-0), but realistically, Texas isn’t just any opponent. Their roster is stacked with talent, and one player, in particular, stands out as the Gamecocks’ biggest threat.

It’s Madison Booker. The 19-year-old phenom has been killing it, and even Dawn Staley can’t help but acknowledge her talent. “She’s tough,” Staley said, comparing Booker to LSU legend Seimone Augustus. According to Staley, Booker’s three-point shooting is better than Augustus’s, but ‘Mone was money from mid-range.’ High praise, indeed.

So, how do you stop a player like Booker? Staley has a straightforward plan: make it as hard as possible for her to catch the ball. “It’s hard. You’ve got to make it real hard before the catch because you know when she catches it, you’re at her mercy,” she explained.

The Gamecocks coach also noted Booker’s improved fitness and understanding of the college game, making her even harder to contain this season.

Jan 9, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots over Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) during the first half at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The focus on disrupting Booker’s rhythm is crucial because once she’s in her groove, she’s unstoppable. The sophomore forward averages 15.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting a jaw-dropping 51.4% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc. 

Even as a freshman, she averaged 16.5 points. Her ability to create her own shots and her versatility make her a nightmare for defenders. She’s lethal in the mid-range, can drive to the basket with ease, and has the ball-handling skills to fake out opponents or step back into a smooth jumper. 

Not to forget, she’s also dangerous from the three-point line. However, as if dealing with Booker wasn’t enough, Texas’ depth at guard is another difficulty for South Carolina. Rori Harmon has a knack for pushing the ball in transition and finding open teammates. Her court vision is a constant threat.

Meanwhile, freshman Jordan Lee, Texas’ top three-point shooter, adds yet another weapon to their offense. On top of everything, they have a head coach like Vic Schaefer. Staley pointed out how Schaefer’s approach remains as aggressive as it was during his Mississippi State days. 

His teams makes it hard to inbound the ball and play high-pressure defense. “He’s got all the keys to winning a national championship,” Staley said, acknowledging the challenge his roster presents. However, despite the challenges, the HC is far from freaking out. 

Dawn Staley Is content with ‘where they are’

The Gamecocks recently secured their 10th consecutive win, dominating Texas A&M with a 90-49 victory. Even with top player Ashlyn Watkins sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, South Carolina’s bench stepped up in a big way, especially Joyce Edwards.

Six players scored in double digits against the Aggies. “I like where we are,” Staley said when asked about her team’s readiness for the upcoming tough games. “Ashlyn’s injury probably freed us up a little bit. I think we can play a little more loose, and I like it. I’m not fretting about the five games in 16 days at all. Our team is prepared to play. Win, lose, or draw, we’re gonna play hard and give our best effort.”

Oct 16, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

South Carolina’s next five games include against obviously No. 5 Texas, No. 18 Alabama, No. 10 Oklahoma, undefeated No. 6 LSU, and No. 16 Tennessee. Staley knows these matchups won’t be easy, but she’s confident her team can “muck it up” and make things difficult for their opponents.

Let’s see if they can prove why they remain one of the top programs in the country and, perhaps, silence Booker and Texas on Sunday.

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