Latson and Johnson Reunite at South Carolina, Reignite High School Chemistry
South Carolina women’s basketball made one of the biggest offseason splashes by bringing in Ta’Niya Latson, one of the most electric scorers in the nation. But what makes this move even more exciting is her reunion with former high school teammate Raven Johnson, reigniting a dynamic backcourt partnership that started years ago at Westlake High School in Atlanta. With both players reuniting under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s already elite squad just became even more dangerous.
A Bond Forged at Westlake
Latson and Johnson first turned heads together as teammates at Westlake High, where they led the school to multiple state championships and captured the prestigious GEICO Nationals title. Their seamless chemistry, forged through countless games and practices, was instrumental in establishing Westlake as a national powerhouse during their time there.
Johnson, a floor general known for her vision and lockdown defense, complemented Latson’s explosiveness and ability to score from anywhere on the court. Their time at Westlake laid the groundwork for a relationship built on trust, shared goals, and a mutual understanding of each other’s playing style.
Separate College Paths
After graduating, Johnson took her talents to South Carolina, joining one of the nation’s most dominant programs under Coach Staley. Although she redshirted her first year due to injury, Johnson steadily carved out a vital role in the Gamecocks’ rotation, helping the team secure national titles in 2022 and 2024. Her leadership, court awareness, and relentless defense made her a cornerstone of South Carolina’s success.
Latson, meanwhile, chose Florida State, where she made an immediate impact. From her very first season, she proved herself as one of the top scorers in the country. She earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors and made the All-ACC First Team three years in a row. By her junior year, she was leading Division I women’s basketball with 25.2 points per game and earned AP Second-Team All-American recognition. Her offensive output was nothing short of jaw-dropping, consistently lighting up defenses with her scoring ability.
The Transfer Heard Around the SEC
In early April, Latson shocked the college basketball world by announcing her decision to transfer to South Carolina. Her social media post, “Feeling Cocky,” sent fans and analysts into a frenzy. The move wasn’t just about joining a powerhouse—it was also about reconnecting with Johnson. Soon after the announcement, Johnson posted “LET’S RUN IT BACK TWIN” on X (formerly Twitter), signaling the excitement between the two guards about playing together again.
Coach Staley’s program has long been known for its ability to blend talent, discipline, and chemistry—and this reunion fits right into that philosophy. South Carolina’s official announcement praised Latson not only for her scoring, but also her leadership and playmaking abilities. Coach Staley highlighted Latson’s “superpower” as being her dual ability to score and create opportunities for others, a perfect complement to Johnson’s steady presence at point guard.
A Perfect Fit in Columbia
With Latson’s arrival, South Carolina gains not just points on the board but an offensive engine who can shift momentum in a heartbeat. Paired with Johnson, the two form a backcourt that could give opposing teams nightmares. Johnson’s 2024–25 stats—4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—don’t tell the full story of her impact. Her decision-making and defensive IQ make her one of the most valuable players in the country. Now, with Latson joining the fold, her job as a facilitator just got easier—and far more exciting.
Together, they bring close to 30 points and nearly seven assists per game to South Carolina. That type of production, backed by elite chemistry and shared history, elevates the Gamecocks’ offense to new heights. Analysts already project them as strong contenders for the SEC title—and possibly another national championship run.
Coach Staley’s Vision Realized
Coach Staley has built South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse not just through recruiting high school stars, but also through smart use of the transfer portal. The addition of Latson shows how the program continues to evolve. Staley emphasized how important Latson’s leadership and competitive nature will be in guiding the Gamecocks to further success.
More importantly, Staley recognized the intangible advantage of reuniting Latson and Johnson. Their familiarity can shorten the adjustment period and give South Carolina an edge when facing teams still building their own chemistry. Their comfort with one another creates trust, which is essential in high-pressure moments during tournament play.
A Storyline Fans Can’t Wait to Watch
While the on-court implications are massive, the emotional component of this reunion can’t be overstated. It’s not every day two elite players get the chance to reunite in college and chase a title together. For Latson and Johnson, it’s not just about wins—it’s about finishing what they started years ago in Atlanta.
The move has already generated significant buzz across the college basketball landscape. Fans are eager to see how the pair will operate in Staley’s system, especially as the SEC gets stronger with each passing year. With other conference heavyweights reloading, South Carolina’s move to bring in Latson could be the difference-maker that tips the scales in their favor.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 season approaches, South Carolina stands tall as one of the teams to beat. The combination of returning talent, elite coaching, and now the addition of the Latson-Johnson duo puts them in position for another Final Four run. The chemistry they bring from their high school days could be the x-factor that separates them from the rest.
For Latson, it’s a chance to compete for a national championship. For Johnson, it’s a continuation of her leadership journey. And for both, it’s a dream come true: a reunion years in the making, now set to play out on one of the biggest stages in college basketball.
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