Joyce Edwards, 5-star WBB recruit and top Gamecocks target, sets commitment date
Joyce Edwards is ready to announce her college decision.
The Camden High five-star prospect and No. 2-ranked girls basketball recruit for the Class of 2024 will reveal a commitment at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in a ceremony at her school. Wednesday is the last day of the fall signing period in which non-football athletes can sign with a college.
ESPN is likely going to televise Edwards’ announcement, according to Camden girls basketball coach Natalie Norris.
“I was excited to get attention and the offers, and now it is crunch time,” Edwards told The State last month. “I am just looking for the school that kind of has everything — my major, good basketball program, good relationship with the coach. I feel like all the schools on my list have that.”
Edwards will decide between South Carolina, Clemson and LSU, she indicated via a social media post Monday. She took official visits to all three schools along with Florida, Maryland, Stanford and Texas A&M.
The hometown star just visited USC for Sunday’s win over Maryland. Gamecock fans were chanting “We want Joyce!” at times during the game. The Gamecocks were her last official visit at the end of October. Dawn Staley offered Edwards in the eighth grade.
Staley and the Gamecocks have a good track record in keeping in-state talent. McDonald’s All-Americans MiLaysia Fulwiley, Talaysia Cooper and Ashlyn Watkins all opted to stay home for their college careers. Cooper has since left the program, but Fulwiley and Watkins are expected to be key pieces for years to come.
“Talent hasn’t left the state the last few years, so that speaks something about Coach Staley,” Edwards said.
Point guard Madisen McDaniel and forward Adhel Tac already have signed with the Gamecocks for the Class of 2024.
Edwards is a five-star recruit and was the S.C. Gatorade Player of Year last season, when she averaged 28.3 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.6 blocks in helping Camden to it first state title since 1982. She also went over 3,000 points for her career.
Edwards also got a chance to help Team USA to the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. She was the youngest player on the roster and led the team in scoring at 12.6 points per game.
This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 8:14 PM.
