Tessa Johnson and the South Carolina Gamecocks are playing the Ole Miss Rebels at home today. The Gamecocks are on a seven-game win streak and are coming off strong wins against the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
South Carolina fans have shown up in big numbers to support their team against the Ole Miss Rebels. At halftime, the Gamecocks are leading 41-25 and are on track to secure another win.
The highlight of the game so far has been two fans wearing white t-shirts with “Who can guard Tessa Johnson” printed on them around Kim Mulkey’s face. That question went viral after the Gamecocks’ LSU matchup.
Cameras caught Kim Mulkey asking that question to her bench during a break, and Bella Hines raised her hand to take on the challenge. Johnson finished with game high 21 points and helped South Carolina win the game.
Johnson has been on a stellar run this season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting over 48% from the field and nearly 46% from the three-point line. ‘Who can guard Tessa Johnson?’ is a question every rival team has been asking.
“Tessa is our rock,” Dawn Staley said early in the season. “She is the person that is not pressing but she’s confident in her ability to go get a bucket when she wants to get a bucket. She’s just taking what the defense gives her.”
Staley often praises Johnson for her consistency and ability to lift the team up. A program known for churning out world-class players has produced another future superstar who will undeniably make a name for herself in the WNBA.
Tessa Johnson’s Father Trusts Dawn Staley
Staley is one of the most revered coaches in the history of the game. She has transformed South Carolina basketball and has coached and mentored several WNBA stars. Johnson’s father, Jemel, has complete faith in her.
During a conversation with Matt Dowell, Jemel said that Staley is the best coach for his daughter, and he has never worried about her development or future as long as she works under Staley.
“It was probably in Tessa’s second year. Dawn says, ‘Hey, Mr. Johnson, you don’t call me or not a text.’ Its like, when I drop Tessa off, its like dropping her off at my parents house. I don’t have to tell my mom how to raise a kid. I was like, she’s good. She’s in great hands,” he said.
Jemel said that Staley knows when to be strict with her players and when to give them the compliments they deserve. In his opinion, she is the best person to coach Johnson.
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