LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey went viral for her animated team talk during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks earlier this season. Mulkey was heard shouting, “Who can guard Tessa?” as Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson lit up the arena with her performance.
Chloe Kitts used Mulkey’s quote to pay tribute to Johnson. During practice ahead of the South Carolina-Oklahoma Sweet 16 clash, Kitts wore a custom hoodie that read “Who can guard Tessa Johnson?”
Johnson is averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. She has been putting up career-high numbers this season. She scored 21 points on 8-13 in South Carolina’s 79-72 win at LSU in February.
She has played an integral role in South Carolina’s run this season. The Gamecocks have an overall record of 34-3 and are among the favorites for the national championship despite losing in the final of the SEC Tournament.
Dawn Staley has transformed the program in her 18 years. She has won three national championships, in 2017, 2022, and 2024, and took South Carolina all the way to the final last season, where it was beaten by Geno Auriemma’s UConn.
This season, multiple players have stepped up to perform at the highest level, and Tessa Johnson has been one of them.
South Carolina Streamrolls Oklahoma in the Sweet 16
On Saturday, the Gamecocks were in sublime touch from the get-go. Many thought the matchup would be close, given that Oklahoma had defeated the Gamecocks earlier this season. However, South Carolina was too good this time around, winning 94-68.
Ta’Niya Latson led all the scorers with 28 points in just 29 minutes. She went 7-of-11, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range. She also made all 10 free throws. Tessa Johnson and Raven Johnson played supportive roles with 14 and 18 points, respectively.
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