From March Hero to Season Leader: With Bree Hall’s Departure, South Carolina Turns to “Tournament Tessa” Johnson to Emerge as a Year-Round Force..
As the dawn of a new women’s college basketball season approaches, the South Carolina Gamecocks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With the departure of Bree Hall—an integral part of the program’s recent success—the spotlight now shifts to a player who captured the imagination of Gamecock fans during March’s most dramatic moments: Tessa Johnson. Nicknamed “Tournament Tessa” for her unforgettable postseason heroics, Johnson is poised to take the next step, evolving from a clutch performer under the bright lights of March into a consistent, year-round leader for Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program.
Johnson’s rise began when it mattered most. During South Carolina’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run, she emerged as a fearless competitor, delivering timely buckets, gritty defensive stops, and unshakeable confidence. She wasn’t merely a supporting piece; she was often the spark that kept South Carolina’s title hopes alive. Now, as the Gamecocks prepare for life without Hall—a player known for her versatility, toughness, and leadership—Johnson must embrace a new identity. No longer the surprise weapon off the bench or the X-factor in tight contests, Johnson faces the challenge of becoming the player her team relies on from November through April.
For those who followed Johnson’s journey, her breakout moments in March were a natural progression rather than a sudden revelation. Even as a freshman, she demonstrated poise beyond her years. The former five-star recruit arrived in Columbia with high expectations, bringing with her a reputation as a polished scorer and tenacious competitor. Yet, adjusting to the demands of college basketball, especially at a program like South Carolina, isn’t easy. Like many talented newcomers, Johnson initially found herself adapting to Staley’s system, learning to balance individual flair with the discipline required to thrive in one of the nation’s elite defensive units.
Her learning curve during the regular season made her postseason explosion all the more remarkable. When the Gamecocks needed someone to step up during tight tournament battles, Johnson delivered. Whether it was sinking a critical three-pointer, driving fearlessly into the lane against elite defenders, or making hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet, Johnson etched her name into South Carolina’s storied basketball lore. But now comes the hard part. Elevating from a player who shines when called upon to one who sets the tone every night is no small task.
The departure of Bree Hall creates both a void and an opportunity. Hall, who provided consistent scoring, elite defense, and vocal leadership, leaves behind big shoes to fill. Her presence on the court allowed teammates like Johnson to play freely, knowing that Hall would shoulder significant responsibilities on both ends of the floor. Without Hall, Johnson must assume not only statistical production but also the intangible qualities that define true leaders. That means being the player who holds teammates accountable, who sets the example in practice, and who approaches every opponent with the same intensity she displayed in the tournament.
If there’s a player built for that transition, it’s Johnson. Her work ethic has been praised repeatedly by Staley and her staff. Coaches have noted that Johnson is often the first in the gym and the last to leave, seeking ways to improve her game beyond what is expected. It’s that quiet dedication that gives confidence to those around her that she can shoulder the increased load. Johnson understands that March heroics are fueled by months of preparation, and she appears ready to channel that understanding into becoming the steady force the Gamecocks need throughout the grind of the season.
One area where Johnson’s evolution will be most scrutinized is her offensive consistency. In the past, Johnson thrived as a secondary scorer, taking advantage of defenses preoccupied with stopping South Carolina’s primary threats. This season, defenses will game-plan for her. She will see the opponent’s best perimeter defender night after night. The challenge for Johnson will be to diversify her offensive game—finding ways to score even when the spotlight is squarely on her. Expect to see her work extensively on creating her own shot off the dribble, refining her mid-range jumper, and improving her decision-making as a playmaker for others.
Defensively, Johnson has the tools to be elite. Long, agile, and relentless, she showed flashes of brilliance guarding some of the nation’s top guards during the tournament. But playing top-level defense in March is different from doing it night in and night out against a variety of offensive styles. As Johnson steps into a bigger role, her ability to anchor the Gamecocks’ perimeter defense will be tested. She must bring the same focus and intensity she displayed in elimination games to every contest, whether it’s a high-stakes conference showdown or a midseason matchup against a lesser-known opponent.
Perhaps the most significant growth opportunity for Johnson lies in leadership. Bree Hall was a vocal presence who embodied the toughness and resilience that have become synonymous with South Carolina basketball. Replacing that type of leadership is never easy. Johnson, who has been more inclined to lead by example, will be called upon to find her voice. That means speaking up in huddles, encouraging younger players, and becoming a player that teammates look to in moments of adversity. Leadership isn’t only about words; it’s about the daily habits that inspire others. In this area, Johnson has a chance to leave an indelible mark on the program.
Johnson’s journey from “Tournament Tessa” to year-round force will unfold in an environment of high expectations. South Carolina remains one of the premier programs in the country, and with that status comes immense pressure. Every opponent circles the Gamecocks on their calendar. Every game is treated as an opportunity for another team to notch a signature win. For Johnson, thriving in that environment will require mental toughness and the ability to stay grounded through both highs and lows. Staley’s guidance will be invaluable, as few coaches understand how to mold young stars into seasoned leaders better than she does.
The 2025–26 season will also bring new challenges for South Carolina as a team. With roster changes and the loss of Hall’s stabilizing presence, the Gamecocks will need time to develop new chemistry. Johnson’s ability to help foster that chemistry on and off the court will be critical. She has an opportunity not just to fill a void, but to help shape the team’s identity moving forward. In many ways, this season represents a passing of the torch. The Gamecocks’ recent success has been built on the contributions of players like Hall, but sustaining that success will depend on the emergence of stars like Johnson.
For fans, watching Johnson’s evolution will be one of the most compelling storylines of the season. There’s a special kind of excitement in seeing a player who has already delivered magical moments rise to new heights. Johnson’s potential is undeniable. She has shown she can perform when the stakes are highest. Now, the question is whether she can sustain that brilliance, becoming not just a player for the big moments, but the player who defines the season.
In Columbia, anticipation is building. Gamecock faithful know that what makes South Carolina basketball special isn’t just the banners hanging in Colonial Life Arena—it’s the tradition of players who rise to meet the program’s lofty standards. Tessa Johnson now finds herself at the heart of that tradition. The nickname “Tournament Tessa” may have been born in March, but for the Gamecocks to achieve their goals this year, Johnson must be so much more. She must be the player who brings the fight every night, who elevates those around her, and who transforms promise into legacy.
The season ahead promises challenges, but also opportunities for greatness. And as the Gamecocks take the court without Bree Hall, all eyes will be on Tessa Johnson—no longer just a March hero, but the season leader her team needs.
