12/20/2025
The shots finally started falling—and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Just as doubts were growing louder and pressure began to mount, Zia Cooke snapped out of her shooting slump in emphatic fashion, giving South Carolina exactly the jolt it needed ahead of a high-stakes showdown at No. 13 LSU. What once looked like a lingering concern now feels like a warning shot to the rest of the SEC.
For weeks, Cooke battled through cold stretches that stood out precisely because of her reputation. Defenses sagged, critics questioned her rhythm, and every miss seemed to carry extra weight. But instead of forcing the moment, Cooke stayed aggressive, trusted her work, and let the game come back to her. The result? A surge of confidence, cleaner looks, and a reminder of why she’s one of the Gamecocks’ most dangerous weapons when the lights are brightest.
The turnaround couldn’t be more significant. LSU looms with national attention, a hostile environment, and postseason implications hanging in the balance. South Carolina’s margin for error shrinks against elite competition—and Cooke’s ability to stretch the floor could be the difference between control and chaos. Still, questions remain. Is this resurgence the start of a sustained run, or a brief spark before another grind? And how will LSU respond now that Cooke is no longer struggling to find her touch?
One thing is clear: the slump is over, and the stage is set. What happens next could reshape the narrative of South Carolina’s season.
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