South Carolina to host HBCU women’s basketball tournament

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks have announced the inaugural PowHER Player Classic, a Thanksgiving weekend tournament hosted at Colonial Life Arena. The event will feature North Carolina Central, Alabama A&M, and Tennessee State.

Tournament play is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 28, with North Carolina Central facing Alabama A&M, followed by South Carolina hosting Tennessee State. The following day will include a consolation game and a championship game.

Beyond basketball, the event aims to provide networking and professional development opportunities. Sponsored by Rae Rose Media, the weekend will include a holiday-themed community service event, an NIL Marketplace, and a Culture Night Kickoff Dinner. Staley stated that the event is inspired by a desire to ensure young women in the sport benefit from expanding prospects, such as NIL, regardless of where they compete.