With less than a minute remaining in a nail-biting match on Friday night—where an Elite Eight spot hung in the balance—Indiana staged a remarkable comeback against the undefeated No. 1 South Carolina, erasing a daunting 17-point halftime deficit. Amidst the tension, South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley had her focus squarely on Raven Johnson.
In those crucial final moments, Staley discerned a steely determination in Johnson’s eyes, a familiar resolve she had witnessed in her players throughout the season.
“I had no doubt she wouldn’t let us lose,” Staley affirmed. “I knew she was going to make something happen.”
And indeed, Johnson did just that. First, with a poised midrange jumper in traffic, extending the Gamecocks’ lead to 72-65. Then, she nailed a pivotal three-pointer off a pass from Kamilla Cardoso, stretching the lead to five points. Finally, she calmly sank the second of two free throws, maintaining a two-possession advantage.
For Staley, both Johnson’s demeanor and her standout performance were hardly surprises. They were manifestations of the team’s relentless drive and unwavering commitment witnessed in practice sessions and throughout the regular season.
The Gamecocks had undergone a significant transformation since last year’s Final Four run, with all five starters replaced, four of whom moved on to the WNBA. Among this year’s starters, Johnson had notably been on the sidelines during their defeat against Iowa, a moment etched in memory when she relinquished the ball after being waved off by Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.
However, for Johnson, that moment served as a catalyst for self-improvement.
“It urged me to hit the gym, work on my weaknesses,” Johnson reflected.
This dedication embodies the ethos that Staley instills in her team—a relentless pursuit of excellence. While there have been standout moments, such as Cardoso’s clutch three-pointer in the SEC Tournament and Johnson’s heroics against Indiana, Staley finds solace in the team’s collective effort in the practice gym.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by their practice squad, aptly named “The Highlighters,” Staley credits them for igniting a competitive fire that propels the Gamecocks forward.
Despite adversity, whether losing a significant lead or falling behind, Staley maintains confidence in her players’ ability to rally. Refraining from calling a timeout as the lead dwindled against Indiana, she entrusted her team to find solutions themselves.
“They’re not fazed by it. It’s unbelievable to see how they handle adverse situations all season long,” Staley remarked.
When the opportunity arose, Johnson seized the moment, sinking a crucial three-pointer that effectively sealed the game. It was a shot borne out of countless hours of practice and unwavering support from teammates.
As Johnson reflects on her growth, she attributes her newfound confidence to the unwavering support of her teammates—a sentiment echoed by Te-Hina Paopao, who recognized Johnson’s assuredness in that pivotal moment.
In the end, Johnson’s heroics symbolize not only her personal journey but also the collective spirit that defines the Gamecocks—a team that uplifts each other, no matter the circumstances.
