As South Carolina gears up for its NCAA Tournament second-round showdown against Southern Cal, all eyes will be on guard Raven Johnson as she takes the court for the last time at Colonial Life Arena. Johnson, who has been a cornerstone for the Gamecocks over the past five seasons, leaves behind a legacy marked by two national championships and four Final Four appearances.
Reflecting on her final game at home, Johnson shared her mixed emotions. "I feel good.
But honestly, I'm a little sad," she admitted. "I'm going to miss my teammates a lot.
But the truth is, I feel good." Her focus remains steadfast: "I'm just ready to play and advance, honestly.
I'm thinking about one thing, and that's to win a national championship."
This season, Johnson is delivering her best performance yet, averaging 10.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. She’s also a defensive force, snagging 1.5 steals per contest.
Looking back on her journey, Johnson cherishes the memories with her teammates. "Starting with that freshie group, it's a lot of memories," she recalled.
"Playing with them, I remember my first time hitting the court, I was nervous. I saw the fans and thought, 'This is what women's basketball is about?'
But then you start playing for more than just yourself. You're doing it for the fans and your teammates."
Fellow guard Ta'Niya Latson, who shares a history with Johnson from their days at Westlake High School in Atlanta, expressed her gratitude for their time together. "She means a lot to me as a person," Latson said.
"Not just as a teammate, but as a sister. She's been a pivotal part of my basketball career."
Head coach Dawn Staley reflected on Johnson's impact, both on and off the court. "Raven has taught me to stay light on my toes," Staley shared.
"During the game yesterday, she made me laugh with her quick wit. It's those moments I'll miss.
She knows who she is and stays true to herself, no matter what."
As the Gamecocks prepare for their 8 p.m. tipoff against Southern Cal, televised on ESPN, Johnson and her teammates are ready to make their mark. The stage is set for an unforgettable evening, as one chapter closes and another begins for South Carolina's beloved guard.