South Carolina Women’s Basketball Secures No. 1 Overall Seed in 2025 NCAA Tournament, Eyes Championship Run in Birmingham’s Region 2
The South Carolina Gamecocks have once again proven their dominance in women’s college basketball, securing the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Under the leadership of Hall of Fame head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks enter March Madness with an undefeated record and a clear mission: to win another national championship. As they prepare for their tournament run in Birmingham’s Region 2, South Carolina boasts a deep roster, elite defense, and an unwavering championship mentality.
A Season of Dominance
From the opening tip of the season, South Carolina has displayed an unmatched level of consistency and dominance. The Gamecocks steamrolled through SEC competition, winning both the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Their combination of stifling defense and balanced scoring has made them the most complete team in the nation.
At the center of South Carolina’s success is star forward Kamilla Cardoso, who has emerged as one of the best post players in the country. Averaging a double-double, her presence in the paint is unmatched, giving the Gamecocks a significant advantage on both ends of the floor.
Joining her in the starting lineup is Te-Hina Paopao, an experienced floor general who provides leadership and three-point shooting. Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley has also made waves, delivering highlight-reel plays and injecting energy into the team. With a deep bench featuring versatile forwards and guards, Staley has an arsenal of weapons at her disposal.
Path to the Final Four: Breaking Down Birmingham’s Region 2
As the No. 1 seed in Region 2, South Carolina is the favorite to advance to the Final Four. However, the road to the national championship will not be without its challenges. Several strong teams stand in their way, each hoping to pull off an upset.
Key Contenders in Region 2:
- No. 2 Seed: Stanford – The Cardinal, led by All-American center Cameron Brink, could provide a tough matchup in the Elite Eight. Stanford’s disciplined approach and inside presence make them one of the few teams that could challenge South Carolina’s size advantage.
- No. 3 Seed: NC State – The Wolfpack’s up-tempo offense and outside shooting could force South Carolina into a faster-paced game, testing their perimeter defense.
- No. 4 Seed: Texas – With physical play and elite rebounding, Texas could disrupt South Carolina’s rhythm if they meet in the Sweet 16.
Despite these potential threats, South Carolina’s depth and experience give them a significant edge. The Gamecocks have faced—and defeated—top-tier competition all season, making them well-prepared for the battles ahead.
Keys to a Championship Run
1. Defensive Dominance
South Carolina’s defense has been the backbone of its success. Led by Cardoso’s rim protection and the relentless perimeter defense of Raven Johnson, the Gamecocks have suffocated opponents all season. If they continue to hold teams to low shooting percentages and control the glass, their path to the Final Four will be much smoother.
2. Offensive Balance
While the Gamecocks are known for their defense, their offense has been equally impressive. Paopao’s ability to hit from deep, Cardoso’s dominance in the post, and Fulwiley’s explosiveness in transition create a well-rounded attack. If they can continue their efficient shooting and limit turnovers, they will be nearly impossible to stop.
3. Championship Experience
Dawn Staley has built a championship culture at South Carolina. Many players on this roster have experienced deep tournament runs, and that experience will be crucial in close games. The Gamecocks have been tested before, and their ability to stay composed under pressure is a major advantage.
Final Prediction: Can Anyone Stop the Gamecocks?
With an undefeated record, the No. 1 overall seed, and a roster stacked with talent, South Carolina enters the tournament as the overwhelming favorite. While teams like Stanford and NC State could provide challenges, the Gamecocks’ defense, depth, and experience make them the most complete team in the field.
Prediction: South Carolina wins the 2025 NCAA Championship, cementing their dynasty under Dawn Staley.
Under the leadership of Hall of Fame head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks enter March Madness with an undefeated record and a clear mission: to win another national championship. As they prepare for their tournament run in Birmingham’s Region 2, South Carolina boasts a deep roster, elite defense, and an unwavering championship mentality.
A Season of Dominance
From the opening tip of the season, South Carolina has displayed an unmatched level of consistency and dominance. The Gamecocks steamrolled through SEC competition, winning both the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Their combination of stifling defense and balanced scoring has made them the most complete team in the nation.
At the center of South Carolina’s success is star forward Kamilla Cardoso, who has emerged as one of the best post players in the country. Averaging a double-double, her presence in the paint is unmatched, giving the Gamecocks a significant advantage on both ends of the floor.
Joining her in the starting lineup is Te-Hina Paopao, an experienced floor general who provides leadership and three-point shooting. Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley has also made waves, delivering highlight-reel plays and injecting energy into the team. With a deep bench featuring versatile forwards and guards, Staley has an arsenal of weapons at her disposal.
Path to the Final Four: Breaking Down Birmingham’s Region 2
As the No. 1 seed in Region 2, South Carolina is the favorite to advance to the Final Four. However, the road to the national championship will not be without its challenges. Several strong teams stand in their way, each hoping to pull off an upset.
Key Contenders in Region 2:
- No. 2 Seed: Stanford – The Cardinal, led by All-American center Cameron Brink, could provide a tough matchup in the Elite Eight. Stanford’s disciplined approach and inside presence make them one of the few teams that could challenge South Carolina’s size advantage.
- No. 3 Seed: NC State – The Wolfpack’s up-tempo offense and outside shooting could force South Carolina into a faster-paced game, testing their perimeter defense.
- No. 4 Seed: Texas – With physical play and elite rebounding, Texas could disrupt South Carolina’s rhythm if they meet in the Sweet 16.
Despite these potential threats, South Carolina’s depth and experience give them a significant edge. The Gamecocks have faced—and defeated—top-tier competition all season, making them well-prepared for the battles ahead.
Keys to a Championship Run
1. Defensive Dominance
South Carolina’s defense has been the backbone of its success. Led by Cardoso’s rim protection and the relentless perimeter defense of Raven Johnson, the Gamecocks have suffocated opponents all season. If they continue to hold teams to low shooting percentages and control the glass, their path to the Final Four will be much smoother.
2. Offensive Balance
While the Gamecocks are known for their defense, their offense has been equally impressive. Paopao’s ability to hit from deep, Cardoso’s dominance in the post, and Fulwiley’s explosiveness in transition create a well-rounded attack. If they can continue their efficient shooting and limit turnovers, they will be nearly impossible to stop.
3. Championship Experience
Dawn Staley has built a championship culture at South Carolina. Many players on this roster have experienced deep tournament runs, and that experience will be crucial in close games. The Gamecocks have been tested before, and their ability to stay composed under pressure is a major advantage.
Final Prediction: Can Anyone Stop the Gamecocks?
With an undefeated record, the No. 1 overall seed, and a roster stacked with talent, South Carolina enters the tournament as the overwhelming favorite. While teams like Stanford and NC State could provide challenges, the Gamecocks’ defense, depth, and experience make them the most complete team in the field.