Josh Leonard, a standout 5-star prospect from Wilson High School, has been named the Sports Illustrated South Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Leonard’s dominant performances on the court, where he averaged 21.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, have earned him recognition as one of the top players in the country. His exceptional skills were also recognized nationally as he earned Gatorade South Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year honors earlier this year.

Leonard, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound sophomore, led the Tigers (21-9) to the Class AAAA state tournament semifinals and was named the 2025 AAAA Player of the Year. He shot an impressive 59.1% from inside the arc, 39.2% from three-point range, and maintained a true shooting percentage of 61% this season.

Off the court, Leonard has made a significant impact in his community, volunteering at the Manna House soup kitchen and participating in holiday toy drives for children in need. His commitment to academics is equally impressive, maintaining a 4.1 GPA, underscoring his well-rounded character.

Special Recognition: Korie Corbett and Jordan Watford

While Leonard takes the top honor, we are pleased to extend Special Recognition to two other standout performers who had exceptional seasons:

Looking Ahead

This year’s honorees represent the very best of South Carolina high school basketball, showcasing not only exceptional talent but also dedication, leadership, and a commitment to their communities. As we look to the future of the sport, we’re excited to see how these athletes continue to develop and contribute at the next level. Their hard work and perseverance serve as an inspiration to aspiring players across the state, and we look forward to witnessing their journeys as they chase their dreams.

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South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley spoke to the media on Thursday to preview the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Here’s everything she had to say.

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Opening statement

“(I’m) super excited to get things going. (I’m) excited to welcome, I think, three teams that have never played here. So, I hope our fans give them an opportunity to experience what they give us every game that we play in Colonial Life Arena and create an incredible environment for some great teams that are here, and for everyone to have a great time as we start this tournament off.”

On Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond bringing Champ a custom nameplate

“It did (take me by surprise), but it didn’t. I think, as dog lovers, their pets come first, just like Champ. Any time that you can provide a cool… I think it was pretty cool gesture. I know Kim (Rosamond) – I’ve known her for a long time. She’s coached in this league. I’m super happy for her, and I’m over the top that she would extend such a nice gift to my boy.”

On the Gamecocks’ success providing financial boost to University of South Carolina

“It’s exciting. Never in my career did I think we would get to this place. I think a lot happened to get here, and (it) got here a lot quicker than probably most people wanted. So, I think it’s pretty cool.

“I think the numbers reflect where we are today. I hope they don’t reflect where we are in five, 10 years because we know that that part of it allows you to be a sport – and not a sport that is always in the red, pulling on the budget always. So, I think it’s a great start, but it’s surely not a great finish – it’s a great start.”

On the possibility of the recruiting class of 2021 winning three national championships

“I think it’s super cool. I never really thought about it – I didn’t until you asked the question – because we stay present. But to think about them being able to do something that no other class has ever done, it would be them because I do believe that this class sacrificed the most of all of them.

“Because of their sacrifice, they put us in the position to make history. I love this class for that. They don’t get the credit. They don’t get the individual credit that they deserve, don’t get the national credit they deserve. But they get the national spotlight because they win. They are winners through and through. I don’t think there is another class within the past, I don’t know, ten years, maybe eight – I’ll go eight – that’s won two national championships, let alone three, or the possibility of winning three.”

On how South Carolina has prepared for Tennessee Tech

“We are creatures of habit in how we prepare. So, whether we’re preparing for Tennessee Tech or preparing for Texas in a championship game in the SEC Tournament doesn’t change. We go through all of the things that we feel will put us in the position to win basketball games. All the things that could put us in a position to lose basketball games, we’re prepared for.

“So, we are fortunate that we’re playing at home, and there will be a lot of Gamecock fans in the stands that will help us, energize us. You don’t really need energy, but it’s good to be in this position at home where we lead the nation in attendance year in and year out.

“(We’re) looking forward to the challenge. (This is a) very good Tennessee Tech team that is hot. A 17-game win streak is a lot. They got some momentum coming in. We got some momentum coming in. I hope our habits are displayed and executed much longer than theirs.”

On the importance of staying present

“I think we always stay present – we do. I mean, we’ve been very fortunate to have a team full of players that they don’t get too high with the highs or low with the lows. They just really stay right here. That’s what they show me. I don’t know what they’re doing in their private time. That doesn’t seep out in how we need to perform and prepare.

“We’ve always been that way. I think they take our lead as a staff because we’re not thinking about Sunday. We’re thinking about Friday and what we need to take in on Friday.”

On whether the women’s basketball tournament should adopt neutral site

“I think it’s up for conversation, but you also have to look at what we’re doing on our campuses. If there is bad attendance on campuses in the first and second round, people won’t want to move to neutral sites. But we were charged with bringing more people on our campus in seats, and then you’re rewarded.

“(It’s) something you can control. You can control, for the most part, putting together a schedule that will put you in a position to be a top-16 seed. I think that in itself during the season is something that you can control. You’re rewarded in that way. I think, for us, it’s more about what you can control versus what you give to someone else. Because when you give to someone else, they may have an ulterior motive that doesn’t benefit the game.

“I’m happy about that. I’m always willing to discuss anything that will help our game grow.”

On how MiLaysia Fulwiley is approaching this year’s tournament compared to last year’s

“I think this year she (MiLaysia Fulwiley) looks more seasoned. She is a much better practice player than she ever was last year. She is a lot more locked into what needs to be done, just the nuances of what needs to be done, how she needs to improve. She’s done that.

“‘Breezy’ (Bree Hall) just spoke on the defensive side of the ball. I think, just, overall preparation, overall just being more willing to listen and grow. I think that’s her biggest growth – listening, growing, trying to figure it out. And not to be perfect. It’s not to do it right once or twice – it is her wanting to do that. Her thirst for wanting to do that is where her biggest growth has taken place.”

On how impactful it is to have Staley’s assistant coaches on the sidelines

“Yeah, we’ve got a lot of assistant coaches. We’ve been afforded to have five other assistant coaches. And for me, probably, all but two of them have more experience than I do as a coach – maybe three now. So, I think it’s pretty cool to have seasoned coaches on your bench that really understand what’s needed.

“They all have input. We all have knock-out, drag-outs about how we need to prepare for a certain team and things we need to execute in order to win. I think it’s pretty cool.

“I think our staff has probably been the difference maker. We have great continuity, had that for years. It helps us in these types of situations where you’re going into the NCAA Tournament.”

On where Staley has seen support for South Carolina from the community

“To be honest, that’s what it’s about – the fans feeling like there is an NCAA Tournament going on. I try to get my walk in through campus, and I’m amazed at how many students come up to me and tell me that their mom loves me or dad loves me. It’s cool to see their parents involved in what’s happening on their child’s campus. So, I think it’s pretty cool.

“The fact it’s women’s basketball, that’s a pretty cool dynamic to what was happening here on our campus, in and around the city. This is the place to be when there is a women’s basketball game. It’s going to be the place to be on Friday night or Friday morning and afternoon. It’s going to be the place to be, and people are setting their schedules up for games that are going to be played here. People are coming into Columbia, South Carolina, and they’re giving our city all the hotels and all the restaurants an opportunity to see how special this place is – and make some money.”

On Staley’s fashion sense

“Well, last summer was probably the first time that I was a part of like fashion shows. I would see them on social media, television, (and) just (be) like, ‘Okay, that’s cool.’ But when you’re there, and you see the energy, and you feel the energy, I enjoyed it. I really, really enjoyed it.

“No one helps me get dressed. I got people that send me stuff… I dress for comfort. Anything I wear, I’m comfortable – like, I could probably have on the entire day. So, it’s more geared to comfort. I’m so glad I don’t have to wear heels anymore.”

On whether Columbia rivals Storrs, Connecticut as “women’s basketball capital of country”

“(I need to) be careful about what I say here. I mean, we have led the nation in attendance for the past ten years. Like, it’s not even close. We have had a tremendous amount of success over the past ten years.

“To answer your question, I think this is a pretty cool city that people will want to come and enjoy themselves. And not just our basketball game – which they do – but when you come here and walk around our city, see the restaurants, I think it’s Southern comfort.

“I don’t know who deemed the basketball capital of the world, but if we’re not in the conversation, you haven’t visited.”

On how back-to-back national titles would affect South Carolina’s legacy

“I think we created a legacy already, whether we win this one or not. I think it’s going to go down in history as our team, our program has done things that programs haven’t done in a very long time.

“This is the most competitive that women’s basketball has been in a long time. There is a lot of parity within our game. But for us to be able to have won three (national championships) in the past seven, eight years, that doesn’t happen a whole lot. UConn is in a class by itself. I don’t ever think that’s going to be matched no matter what era we’re in.

“But, since we’re in this era, I could probably say what we’ve done over the past eight years won’t be done again. So, we’re just going to compare eras. And I do think if this senior class is able to do what we all are planning to do – which is win another one – yes, it’s even more of a legacy in our game.”

On whether Staley plans outfits in advance

“I haven’t picked my outfit out for tonight. It’s funny. Somebody just asked me this. I will try on an outfit. If it’s really nice, I might save it for a later round. Sometimes, I haven’t been able to wear them because we don’t advance. But I have quite a few just ideas.

“I can’t wait until the season is over because I can clean my closet. It’s not in a good position right now, like really. So, yeah, so I don’t have it (an outfit for tomorrow’s game) yet.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sania Feagin, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall are chasing history, even if South Carolina’s trio do it a bit under the radar at times.

The three, all part of the Gamecocks’ No. 1-ranked recruiting class before the 2022 season, are seeking a third national championship in the past four years.

It’s something they’ve talked about heading into top-seeded South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament opener with 16th-seeded Tennessee Tech on Friday.

The Gamecocks (30-3) are coming off a third straight Southeastern Conference Tournament title while the Golden Eagles (26-5) are on a 17-game win streak through the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

No. 8 seed Utah (22-8) plays ninth-seeded Indiana (19-12) in the opener.

It’s a bigger, final prize that Feagin dreaming of cutting the down the nets in Tampa in a few weeks.

“I think it about it, I do,” said Feagin, whose had a career high in points, rebounds and minutes this season. “Making this kind of history for the team.”

Johnson, a highly regarded point guard in high school, played just two games during the 2022 national title season due to injury. She has started 48 of 50 games the past two years.

Hall has started all 50 games the past two seasons, although she’s averaged three fewer points this season (6.2) than a year ago as the Gamecocks became the first undefeated champions in nearly a decade.

“It’s very exciting,” Hall said. “It’s something I’ve thought about, but I try to keep present, stay in the moment.”

The group, which also included North Carolina State forward Saniya Rivers who left after the 2022 title, has been caught among some of the best and brightest Staley has brought into the program.

As freshmen, they played behind between WNBA players Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke. Last year, it was 6-foot-7 forward Kamilla Cardoso and dynamic freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley gaining the headlines.

Dawn Staley, their coach, said this group had sacrificed the most for the benefit of the program when all three could’ve followed Rivers’ choice to find success elsewhere.

“Because of their sacrifice, they put us in the position to make history,” Staley said. “You know, I love this class for that. They don’t get the credit, they don’t get the individual credit that they deserve. But they get the national spotlight because they win.”

Handling change

Just four games in, Utah’s year took a sudden turn when coach Lynne Roberts, who had led the team to the past three NCAA Tournaments, left to become coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

The Utes elevated assistant Gavin Petersen and barely missed a beat for another 20-win season and a fourth straight trip to the NCAAs.

The Utes, seeded eighth in the Birmingham 2 Regional, will face ninth-seeded Indiana to start things on Friday.

“This was not on my Bingo card,” Petersen said.

Or anyone elses, although junior forward Gianna Kneepkens thought the transition took place as smoothly as possible. The team knew Petersen’s style and demeanor, so hearing his voice in charge was not a dramatic change.

“It was obviously unexpected and it was a surprise to everybody,” Rhode Island transfer Maye Toure said. “But we already knew Gavin. But also we are a player-led program, so just keep the same mindset.”

Things clicked quickly with the Utes winning nine of their first 10 games under Petersen, including a 78-67 victory over Notre Dame on Nov. 30.

“I think I hit the lottery in that regard in terms of taking over a program where they were ready to go,” Petersen said.

Dog daze

This week, Tennessee Tech’s women’s basketball account on X posted of photo of coach Kim Rosamond and her dogs, Dolly and Dean, with their own personalized NCAA nameplates. The photo also included a third nameplate for Dawn Staley’s dog, Champ.

Champ’s nameplate was next to Staley’s at Thursday’s media session, although he mostly stayed hidden behind the desk.

“I think that was a pretty cool gesture,” Staley said.

“I’m super happy for her and I’m over the top that she would extend such a nice gift to my boy,” she continued.

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Pete Iacobelli, The Associated Press