Camden Star Joyce Edwards had quite a high school career. After winning back-to-back state championships and committing to the South Carolina Gamecocks, the No. 2-ranked senior in the nation recently added another accolade to his resume. he now of this year 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
The honor, announced Thursday, was presented to her by two-time WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings forward Satu Sabal, who surprised her in the Camden HS gym with parents, teammates and her coach, Natalie Funderburk, who won. Gatorade South Carolina Girls Basketball Player of the Year in ’92.
“I’m just honored and grateful to be in that position,” Edwards told WSLAM’s Madison Firley. “I mean, even being up for this title is an achievement in itself. But for Gatorade to consider me the best girls basketball player in my class is just crazy. I have no words for it. I’m just glad other people are seeing the work I put into the game.”
Edwards is a striking forward who can hit and put up big numbers. As he prepares for the next level, stars like Sabali can already tell his future is bright.
“She’s going to have an impact on women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation and really, you know, giving young women (something to look out for),” Sabali said, adding later, “We always look at the stats, but South Carolina obviously has. winning culture. And, you know, adding an asset like (Joyce) is going to drive that winning culture. I mean, Dawn Staley is recruiting frivolously. And he’ll be sure to pick players worthy of the legacy they’ve built. So I’m just really excited about it.”
All images can be attributed to: Gatorade Player of the Year / Joe Greer
