BLUFFTON -- The 2024-25 USCB women's basketball season was one of resilience and determination, as the Sand Sharks battled through injuries and adversity while securing key wins against top Peach Belt Conference teams, including Clayton State, Georgia Southwestern, and Lander. Though their overall record may not fully reflect their potential, standout performances from players such as Sheridan Bostic, Taniyah Bowman, and Lydia Gattozzi highlighted the team's competitive spirit and promise for the future.
Gattozzi, a junior from Chardon, Ohio, made her long-awaited return to the court after missing the entire inaugural season due to injury. She was a beacon of consistency for the Sand Sharks, being the only player to start and play in all 26 games. She led the team in scoring with an average of 13.1 points per game and also paced the team in steals with 39. Her impact on both ends of the floor was invaluable, as she pulled down 100 rebounds and logged nearly 30 minutes per game. Her season-best performance came on February 8 against Georgia Southwestern, where she exploded for 28 points. She also surpassed the 20-point mark twice more, scoring 22 against Georgia Southwestern in Americus and 20 versus Flagler.
Although she played only one season in navy and sand, fifth-year senior Bostic left a lasting legacy. She cemented her place in the USCB record books by setting the single-game program record for three-pointers made, knocking down eight triples against Columbus State on February 26. She also concluded her collegiate career tied with Brielle Bartelt as the program's all-time leader in three-point field goals made with 31.
Bowman faced a challenging season due to injury but still made meaningful contributions when on the court. She showcased her defensive tenacity by recording 22 steals and pulling down over 50 rebounds despite standing just 5-foot-2. Her speed was invaluable for Beaufort's offense, allowing her to maneuver through defenses to find scoring opportunities. The Hinesville native posted a career-best 18 points against Edward Waters in November. After being inserted into the starting lineup at the beginning of February, she averaged double-digit scoring over the final 10 games of the season.
Senior Bartelt put together a well-rounded final campaign, solidifying her status as the program's all-time (101) and single-season (54) leader in assists. She also showcased her scoring ability, highlighted by a 20-point performance on the road against Georgia College, where she shot an efficient 7-of-11 from the field. Additionally, she contributed three rebounds, two steals, and an assist in that contest, demonstrating her all-around game.
The return of standout player Heyward provided a crucial boost for the Sand Sharks heading into 2025. She made an immediate impact in her first game back, recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Her best scoring effort came in a crucial victory over Lander, where she poured in 18 points and narrowly missed another double-double with nine rebounds. Heyward's return solidified her place as the program's all-time leading scorer with 485 points while maintaining a double-digit scoring average of 11.5 points per game.
USCB saw three players surpass the 100-rebound mark, led by senior Shaniya Rose's team-high 138 boards. Rose leaves as the program's all-time leader in total rebounds with 351, a testament to her relentless presence in the paint. Gattozzi and Madison Self also made significant contributions on the glass, each recording 100 rebounds. Head coach Sharon Versyp praised Self's rebounding prowess, emphasizing her invaluable contributions in securing second-chance opportunities for the team.
Freshman Brianna Pelote made an immediate defensive impact, shattering the program's previous record for blocks by nearly doubling the all-time mark with 36. Meanwhile, senior Arie'a Garrett provided veteran leadership in the post, combining shot-blocking ability with strong rebounding efforts that played a pivotal role in the Sand Sharks' key victories.
Despite the hardships USCB faced throughout the season—including the loss of junior Mahkayla Premo and significant time missed by Bostic and Bowman—the Sand Sharks showcased their resilience and growth. With the leadership of Gattozzi returning next season and key contributors such as Bowman, Heyward, and Pelote gaining valuable experience, the foundation has been laid for continued success under Coach Versyp.
