Rising to the occasion Joyce Edwards, one of our 2024 Jersey Mikes Naismith Girls’ HS POY Finalist, is only the second freshman EVER in Final Four history with 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5 assists. She joins Marissa Coleman (Maryland, 2006) in this esteemed honor…

In the world of high school basketball, few names have resonated as powerfully as Joyce Edwards over the past year. A 2024 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year finalist, Edwards was already being touted as a generational talent before she stepped foot on a college campus. But on the sport’s biggest stage—the NCAA Women’s Final Four—she didn’t just meet expectations. She shattered them.

At just 18 years old, Edwards etched her name into the history books, becoming only the second freshman ever to record a stat line of 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a Final Four game. The only other player to do so? Maryland legend Marissa Coleman in 2006. It’s a stunning feat for any player, let alone one in her first collegiate season, and a sign that Edwards is not just the future of women’s basketball—she’s already one of its brightest stars.

A Debut on the Grandest Stage

The bright lights of the Final Four can overwhelm even the most seasoned players. But for Joyce Edwards, the moment brought clarity, not pressure. With her team fighting tooth and nail in a high-stakes matchup against a top-tier opponent, the freshman forward rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that was as complete as it was composed.

She finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing her versatility, poise, and elite basketball IQ. Whether it was grabbing tough rebounds in traffic, threading passes to cutting teammates, or knocking down midrange jumpers, Edwards looked every bit the star she’s been projected to become.

A Historic Performance with Rare Company

What makes Edwards’ performance even more jaw-dropping is the rarity of it. The NCAA Women’s Final Four has featured thousands of players over the decades, many of them future WNBA stars and Olympians. Yet, only two freshmen have ever posted a 10-10-5 stat line—Marissa Coleman in 2006, and now Joyce Edwards in 2025.

Coleman’s impact on the game was immense—she went on to become an All-American, WNBA top draft pick, and Team USA standout. By joining her in this elite company, Edwards has signaled that she’s ready to follow a similarly extraordinary path.

More Than a Stat Line

Numbers aside, what impressed coaches, fans, and analysts alike was how Edwards carried herself on the court. With maturity beyond her years, she controlled the tempo, never looked rushed, and played with an unselfishness that made her teammates better. She didn’t force shots or seek the spotlight—she let the game come to her and took over when her team needed it most.

That leadership quality is rarely seen in freshmen, especially in pressure-packed moments like the Final Four. But Edwards has never been ordinary.

A Star Born in South Carolina

Before she became a household name in college hoops, Edwards dominated at the high school level. A native of Camden, South Carolina, she was a five-star prospect and the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2024 class. Her high school career was filled with accolades: state titles, All-American honors, and a spot as a finalist for the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year Award.

Even then, scouts raved about her all-around game. At 6’2”, she combined the athleticism of a wing with the strength of a forward and the vision of a guard. Coaches admired her relentless motor, her commitment to defense, and her passion for winning. Those qualities made her a must-have recruit—and now, a game-changer on the national stage.

The Future is Now

While many expected Edwards to be a key contributor as a freshman, few could’ve predicted she’d be rewriting records and making Final Four history. Her early success is a testament not only to her skill but to her work ethic and mindset.

Teammates and coaches have praised her humility and hunger to improve. Despite all the hype, Edwards has remained grounded, always focused on learning and elevating those around her. That humility, combined with her talent, makes her a cornerstone for her program’s future—and possibly a future No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft.

Inspiring a New Generation

Edwards’ breakout performance has already inspired a wave of young athletes who see themselves in her journey. A freshman taking over on the sport’s biggest stage sends a powerful message: that youth is not a limitation, and greatness doesn’t have to wait.

From her small-town roots in South Carolina to the dazzling lights of the Final Four, Joyce Edwards has become more than a phenom—she’s a role model for aspiring hoopers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

As the confetti settles and the tournament winds down, one thing is abundantly clear: Joyce Edwards has arrived. And if her Final Four performance is any indication, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable career.