The SEC women’s basketball availability report just dropped moments ago, and there are significant developments regarding player status for Sunday’s game.
Major Roster Development
The biggest news of the night: Ta’Niya Latson is not listed on the availability report. This is significant because she’s missed the last three-and-a-half games due to a sprained left ankle. I observed her participating in Friday’s practice during the media availability period.
Here’s what Head Coach Dawn Staley said regarding Latson’s status:
“We’re going to see how she feels (Saturday). Every day is just, we’re ramping her up,” Staley explained. “If that lower leg doesn’t feel good (Saturday), then we’ll have to pull back. If it does, then we’ll continue to push through.”
Other Availability Updates
Alicia Tournebize was absent from Friday’s practice session because she was attending freshman orientation. While Staley didn’t confirm whether Tournebize would make her season debut Sunday, the availability report lists her as OUT.
Chloe Kitts remains listed as OUT, as she will be throughout the entire season. There was some buzz after I spotted Kitts shooting after Friday’s practice, sparking speculation about a possible return this year. When I asked Staley directly if that was a possibility, she shook her head and simply said, “No.”
It’s worth noting that South Carolina has started only five games this season with their full roster available, and has finished just three contests with everyone healthy.
Latson’s Impact This Season
Let me put into perspective what Latson brings to this squad. She’s currently averaging 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Her shooting numbers are career-bests: 51.9% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. She’s the team’s second-leading scorer and absolutely critical to their transition attack.
The injury occurred during the Providence game when Latson was driving for a transition layup with 4:18 remaining in the first half. From what I could see on the replays, it wasn’t entirely clear whether she stepped on a defender’s foot or simply planted awkwardly. Either way, as she attempted the layup, she lost her balance and went down, immediately clutching her foot in obvious pain.
Georgia’s Injury Situation
On the visitor’s side, Mia Woolfolk, Georgia’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, is listed as OUT. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is their strongest frontcourt presence, and her absence is a significant blow as they prepare to face South Carolina‘s formidable frontcourt duo of Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot.
This injury situation could certainly impact the dynamics of tomorrow’s conference matchup. Both teams are dealing with key absences as they head into this SEC battle.
I’ll continue monitoring the situation and bring you updates as they develop.
