South Carolina is set to welcome back one of its key players for the upcoming game against Tennessee. Ta’Niya Latson, who had been sidelined for the last two games due to a leg injury, is now cleared to play, as she no longer appears on the team’s availability report. Conversely, Agot Makeer remains OUT according to the latest updates, continuing her recovery from an injury sustained during a game against Auburn.
In addition, Tessa Johnson, who was held out of the second half in the game against Mississippi State as a precaution, is expected to play. Head coach Dawn Staley expressed caution regarding player statuses, stating that the coaches wanted to ensure Johnson was fully prepared for the matchup against Tennessee. When asked about the team’s lineup, Staley remarked that “everybody’s full-go right now,” though she added a note of uncertainty about the final roster decisions pending the evening’s availability report.
Latson’s return is particularly significant, as she has been a prolific scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game this season despite facing injuries. Her performance included scoring five points in the first half of a game against Auburn before being limited. Last season, she led the nation in scoring while at Florida State, averaging an impressive 25.2 points.
Makeer, who made strides as a starter earlier this season, has faced her share of challenges as well. After her injury against Auburn, in which she fell after a foul and continued to play despite evident struggle, she briefly returned to the bench with a wrap on her hip. Previously, Makeer had missed multiple games while in concussion protocol, and her defensive skills have made a notable impact on the team’s performance.
The Gamecocks, who have battled through a challenging season of injuries, have managed to field a full roster in only nine of their 25 games. Key players like Maddy McDaniel, Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, and Adhel Tac have also experienced time on the sidelines this season, alongside Chloe Kitts, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL.
As they prepare for Tennessee, the Gamecocks will have to navigate these ongoing injury challenges while hoping for a robust performance from their returning players. Tennessee, meanwhile, has reported no players on their injury list, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing matchup.