SEC basketball stars shine vs. Columbia in FIBA Women's AmeriCup

A handful of SEC stars played extremely well in Team USA's matchup against Columbia in the Women's FIBA AmeriCup.
Jan 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners center Raegan Beers (52) makes a three-point basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena.
Jan 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners center Raegan Beers (52) makes a three-point basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

While the UConn Huskies might currently reign supreme in the world of women's college basketball, the SEC is still undeniably the best conference across the board. With powerhouse programs like South Carolina, LSU, and more, the women's basketball currently runs through the Southeastern Conference.

This summer, that fact has only become more true as women flocked to the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup to represent their countries in international play.

Three SEC superstars (unsurprisingly) stood out among the rest of their peers as Team USA sailed past its matchup against Columbia with an 80-43 victory.

Raegan Beers, Oklahoma Sooners

  • 22 points
  • 7 rebounds
  • 3 steals

After transferring to Oklahoma from Oregon State, Beers took on a leadership role unlike many others in the SEC. She nearly averaged a double-double during the 2024-25 season, earning 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. During her upcoming senior season, Beers has a genuine argument to be the best big in the conference.

Joyce Edwards, South Carolina Gamecocks

  • 19 points
  • 6 rebounds

Edwards has played just one season for the South Carolina Gamecocks and has already started in a game for one of the winningest women's basketball programs over the last decade. She averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game last year, a stat line which she is already looking to improve as she faces her sophomore season.

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Commodores

  • 15 points
  • 2 assists

Blakes is coming off of her true-freshman season for the Commodores, in which she averaged 23.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Teams in the SEC have another program to keep an eye out for as Blakes continue to grow, making Vanderbilt a looming threat.