PREVIEW: NCAAWB South Carolina Gamecocks vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Sports Editor Will Lyons gives you an in-depth look at the season’s first top 10 matchup.
The historic matchup between the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks and the Notre Dame Irish will take place at 1pm EST. This will be the first regular season NCAAB game played in Paris, a monumental moment even before you get to the basketball that will be played. This matchup is box office, the coaches are two former college All-Americans and WNBA players in Irish Head Coach Niele Ivey and SC Head Coach and Hall of Famer Dawn Staley. Staley’s success on the court (402–106 at South Carolina) and her willingness to always support her players in any way has propelled her to become one the face synonymous with NCAA women’s basketball. Coach Ivey is a star in her own right with a 61–25 record through three seasons and impressive success on the recruiting trail.
South Carolina Outlook
SC returns defensive anchor Kamilla Cardoso, Sania Feagan, center Ashlyn Watkins and sophomore point guard Raven Johnson. Expect these impact players to see increased roles with the departures of one the most impactful classes in SC history (Aliyah Boston, Destiny Henderson, Zia Cooke, Latecia Amihere, Brea Beal and Victaria Saxton). Coach Staley has a ton of production to replace but the SC roster has a dangerous blend of talent, size (only 3 players under 6 ft) and experience. SC brought in a wealth of talent with the Chloe Kitts (joined the team mid-season and practiced with the team) MiLaysia Fulwiley, Sahnya Jah, Tessa Johnson and impact transfers Te-Hina Paopao (Oregon) and JUCO player of the year Sakima Walker.
I expect that trademark South Carolina defensive intensity and rebounding production to carry over. SC will have an athletic presence on the glass and protecting the rim at all times and Cardoso has DPOY potential if she can stay out of foul trouble. The addition of the cerebral PG Te-Hina Paopao should also be huge for SC as well giving them two reliable point guards to share the playmaking duties. And the wildcard for the team will be how soon star freshman Milaysia Fulwiley can make her mark. Fulwiley is an electric scorer who is sure to be a fan favorite with her flashy passes and deep scoring bag. Expect to get familiar with a lot of talented hoopers that will be getting all the minutes they can handle with the new look South Carolina team.
Notre Dame Outlook
Notre Dame will be without star point guard Olivia Miles for an indefinite amount of time. ND will miss Miles star power and production (14.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.9 APG, 2.1 SPG) but they are equipped to hold down the fort. Sonia Cintron and KK Bransford provide some experience and production in the backcourt while freshman Hannah Hidalgo will provide star power. Hidalgo is a 5’9” McDonald’s All-American guard that will bring scoring, playmaking and competitiveness in bunches. Expect Cassandre Prosper to make an impact as well after enrolling early last season and leading Team Canada in scoring during the 2023 U19 Women’s FIBA world Cup.
ND was another active participant in the transfer portal adding experience to their roster with Anna DeWolfe and forward Beck Obinma. DeWolfe was a 3x all A-10 performer at Fordham and Obinma played at TCU and Pepperdine before joining the Irish. Obinma will be expected to help fill the rebounding void left by the departure of Laurne Ebo and her 7 RPG.
Prediction
I anticipate a great game with two talented rosters led by two of the best coaches in the country. Expect the players to take full advantage of playing the first nationally televised top 10 matchup of the season. Notre Dame will look to counter the size advantage of South Carolina by pushing the pace all game long. This strategy however will play to South Carolina’s favor as they have a host of long, rangy athletes that can hit the boards and get down the court with the best of them.
Notre Dame will struggle to contain Kamilla Cardoso leading to a Carolina victory. Expect an entertaining matchup that should end up in game of the year contention. The post-Aliyah Boston era South Carolina Gamecocks are out to show the doubters that they are still as dangerous as ever and The Lady Irish look to find their way without star guard Olivia Miles.
