In the season opener against Grand Canyon Antelopes, South Carolina rolled to a 94-54 victory, but the key takeaway wasn’t just the margin—it was a strategic shift. Coach Dawn Staley introduced a small-ball, guard-heavy lineup during the first half and emphasized she expects this adjustment to be a recurring theme all season.
What changed
- With foul trouble mounting (the Gamecocks had 21 fouls called by halftime) and their opponent going smaller, Staley moved to a lineup with four guards plus one forward (Madina Okot) to mirror the Antelopes’ look and maintain matchup balance.
- Staley herself explained: “We needed a better matchup and we were in foul trouble… We have to do it again because teams will play small ball on us.”
Why this matters
- South Carolina’s roster this year is more back-court rich: transfers like Ta’Niya Latson (20 points in her debut) and Tessa Johnson (19 points) bring perimeter scoring and guard versatility.
- Their front-court depth is thinner this season, making flexible lineups a necessity—not just a novelty.
- By showing willingness to go small, Staley is signaling the Gamecocks will be responsive, adaptive, and not strictly bound to a traditional “big-post” identity.
How it played out
- The four-guard look included Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, Latson and Ayla McDowell, with Madina Okot staying as the lone big.
- This lineup helped mitigate foul risks, created driving lanes and guard-based pace, and allowed South Carolina to stay dominant despite early personnel complications.
What to watch going forward
- Whether South Carolina uses this small lineup regularly, not just when foul trouble arises.
- How the bigs—especially Okot—respond: the small look is effective, but the program still needs strong interior play for closing games.
- The guard rotation’s stamina and chemistry: playing more guards at once means less rim presence but more speed and passing.
- Matchups: when opponents go small or try to push tempo, expect Staley to invoke this version of her team.
In short: South Carolina’s opener offered more than a blowout win—it revealed a tactical shift. By embracing a smaller, quicker lineup when needed, Dawn Staley has signaled that flexibility will be a hallmark of this season.
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