Freshman Joyce Edwards finding her rhythm for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks
South Carolina freshman Joyce Edwards is starting to come into her own.
Edwards set a new career high Thursday night, pouring in 20 points along with six rebounds and two blocks in the No. 2 Gamecocks’ 82-46 win over Charleston Southern. It was her second-straight game reaching a new personal best after a 15-point outing against South Florida on Dec. 15.
“Joyce wants to be great, so I think the stats are starting to become what greatness looks like,” USC head coach Dawn Staley said. “Hopefully they’ll stay consistent like this.”
Edwards wasn’t just good against Charleston Southern — she was clutch. She dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points in the frame and anchoring a 37-6 run that slammed the door shut.
The freshman took over in the final period, but that’s no surprise for Staley. It’s not the scoring where Edwards has progress to make, she said. The No. 3 high school signee nationally in the 2024 class isn’t afraid to get shots up. Staley wants to see Edwards continue to make strides on defense.
“There’s so many different looks. People play big, people play small, people are equally as strong and fast as she is,” Staley said. “So she’s gotta figure out how to keep people in front of her, how to how to gauge close-outs, all of those things.”
On offense, Staley is planning for ways for Edwards to expand her repertoire. While she likes Edwards’ ability and aggression with scoring down low and making plays in the midrange, she also wants Edwards to expand her range and incorporate more 3-point attempts. She’s 0-of-1 from deep this year.
That jump will likely come in the summer, Staley said. For now, it’ll be more of a slow burn. Staley sees a future where the Gamecocks’ offense becomes even deadlier with Edwards stretching the floor.
“We need to have that in our arsenal,” Staley said. “And she’s probably, other than Maryam (Dauda), the best person that is more comfortable shooting 3s out there.”
As a freshman, it’s expected for Edwards to deal with the ebbs and flows of playing at the next level. Even so, she has continued to show growth.
“The more you play and the more experience you get, the better off you’re gonna be,” Edwards said.
Edwards has gotten plenty of play time and experience. She has played the fourth-most minutes on the team this year, trailing only starters Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall.
Her impact is becoming apparent, butStaley knows there will be ups and downs. Some nights Edwards will dazzle; others, she’ll learn hard lessons.
“Everything is new to her. This whole season is going to be new,” Staley said. “There are going to be things that are thrown at her that sometimes she’ll handle well and sometimes she won’t. That’s the process of your journey. And fortunately for us, she’s figuring out what’s going on.”
For now, Edwards is stacking big moments and lessons, laying the groundwork for what could be an electric career. It might not be 20 points every night, but if the last couple games are any indication, the best is yet to come.
“Her trajectory is going in the right direction,” Staley said.
