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..
From March heroics to a chance at sustained greatness, Tessa Johnson stands at the precipice of a new chapter in South Carolina women’s basketball. When Bree Hall announced her departure from the program, it created not just a void on the wing but an opportunity — an opportunity for a player like Johnson, whose brilliance had already captured the hearts of Gamecock Nation during the most crucial moments of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. As the dust settles on another national championship campaign and the Gamecocks recalibrate for the upcoming season, all eyes turn to the sophomore guard affectionately known as “Tournament Tessa,” with the expectation that her postseason magic will now become a season-long force.
Johnson’s rise in March was no accident. A product of St. Michael-Albertville High School in Minnesota, Johnson came to South Carolina as part of a heralded recruiting class, but even then, her impact exceeded expectations. While highly touted, she was not the most ballyhooed member of her class. What she was, however, was prepared. Game after game, as the stakes rose, so too did Johnson’s poise, shot-making ability, and defensive tenacity. Her defining performance came in the national semifinal, where she poured in clutch baskets, hounded opposing guards on defense, and played with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. By the time the Gamecocks cut down the nets, Johnson’s name was etched in the minds of fans, coaches, and analysts as one of the key reasons for South Carolina’s perfect season.
But with Bree Hall’s exit, the circumstances surrounding Johnson have changed dramatically. Hall was the glue player, the steady presence on the perimeter, the versatile defender, and a leader in the locker room. Her ability to guard multiple positions, knock down timely threes, and provide emotional stability was crucial to South Carolina’s identity. Replacing that will not fall on just one player’s shoulders, but Johnson is undoubtedly at the forefront of those expected to step into a larger role.
The nickname “Tournament Tessa” speaks to Johnson’s penchant for performing on the biggest stage, but now the task is to shed that qualifier. The Gamecocks need Johnson not just in March, but in November, December, January, and beyond. This means embracing the grind of the regular season, bringing intensity every night against conference and non-conference foes, and delivering the consistency that marks the game’s greats. The transition from freshman spark plug to sophomore cornerstone is not always easy, but if anyone has shown the mindset to handle that leap, it’s Johnson.
Head coach Dawn Staley, herself a master of player development, has been clear about Johnson’s potential. In interviews following the championship run, Staley praised Johnson’s basketball IQ, her ability to learn quickly, and, perhaps most importantly, her fearlessness. These attributes will be critical as the Gamecocks look to retool their offense and defense without Hall. Expect to see Johnson used in a variety of ways: as a primary ball-handler in certain sets, as a catch-and-shoot threat from deep, and as a defensive stopper asked to contain the opposition’s top perimeter options.
Johnson’s strengths align well with the needs of this evolving Gamecock squad. Offensively, she offers a smooth shooting stroke that can stretch defenses, something South Carolina will rely upon even more heavily now. Her ability to create her own shot was on display during the tournament, as she navigated tight defenses and found ways to score off the dribble or coming off screens. Developing that part of her game into a regular-season weapon will be key. In particular, her mid-range game — often a lost art in today’s three-point heavy schemes — gives her a dimension that can punish defenses that overplay the arc.
Defensively, Johnson’s length and lateral quickness make her a natural fit for South Carolina’s switch-heavy schemes. But more than physical tools, what sets her apart is her competitiveness. She takes defense personally, a trait that Staley has long cultivated in her players. With Hall gone, Johnson will likely draw tougher assignments and be counted on to set the tone on that end of the floor. If her March performances are any indication, she will relish the challenge.
Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of Johnson’s ascent is her demeanor. Even in the throes of high-pressure tournament games, she displayed a calmness that belied her freshman status. That temperament will be essential as she takes on more leadership responsibilities. South Carolina’s roster is filled with talented players — from veterans to incoming recruits — but the team’s emotional pulse often comes from those willing to lead by example. Johnson, through her unflappable nature and work ethic, is poised to become one of those leaders.
The departure of Bree Hall also means that the Gamecocks will need Johnson to help integrate younger players into the program’s culture. As someone who just completed her first season, Johnson is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between newcomers and veterans. She knows firsthand the challenges of adjusting to Staley’s demanding system and can serve as both a guide and an inspiration to those following in her footsteps. This mentorship aspect, while not always seen on stat sheets, is vital to sustaining South Carolina’s championship standard.
Moreover, the spotlight on Johnson reflects the broader expectations for South Carolina. The Gamecocks are no longer just trying to win; they are trying to build a dynasty, to sustain excellence year after year despite inevitable roster changes. Players like Johnson are the connective tissue that make that possible. Her growth into a season-long star would not only benefit her personal development but would also help ensure that South Carolina remains at the pinnacle of women’s college basketball.
Off the court, Johnson’s humility and team-first mentality have endeared her to fans and teammates alike. In a landscape where individual branding is more prevalent than ever, Johnson’s focus has remained on winning and doing whatever it takes to help her team. That attitude will serve her well as she navigates the new pressures that come with being a focal point. Media attention will increase, scouting reports will be tailored to limit her, and opponents will key on her in ways they didn’t during her freshman season. But those who have watched Johnson’s journey know that she is ready for this moment.
It is also worth noting that Johnson’s emergence comes at a time when the SEC is as competitive as ever. With perennial powers like LSU, Tennessee, and others reloading, the Gamecocks will need every advantage they can muster to stay ahead of the pack. Johnson’s ability to provide consistent scoring, stout defense, and steady leadership could very well be the difference in close games that decide conference titles and NCAA tournament seeding.
The offseason will be critical for Johnson as she works to expand her game. Areas like decision-making under pressure, advanced ball-handling, and strength conditioning will be points of emphasis. Staley and her staff are renowned for helping players make that leap from promising talent to polished star, and Johnson is undoubtedly the next in line to benefit from that process. Early reports from workouts have already highlighted Johnson’s dedication, with teammates and coaches praising her effort and focus during summer sessions.
As South Carolina fans look ahead to the next season, there is a sense of excitement and curiosity. Who will step up? How will the team adjust to the loss of a key player like Bree Hall? And can the Gamecocks continue their reign atop women’s college basketball? In Tessa Johnson, they may have their answer. From March hero to potential season-long leader, Johnson represents both the present and the future of the program.
The journey from being a spark off the bench to becoming the engine of a team is never easy. It requires more than talent — it demands resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to improvement. But if Johnson’s freshman year taught us anything, it is that she possesses those qualities in abundance. The next chapter in her story is about to be written, and if history is any guide, it will be one worth watching closely.
