party boat cruises charleston sc

Introducing Our Newest Charter, The Bachelorette Beach Bash.

Charleston’s Favorite Party Cruise!

Our bachelor and bachelorette boat cruises are one of the top things to do in Charleston, SC.

• Karaoke Cat
• Semi Private
• Bachelorette Parties

Charleston’s Favorite Party Cruises!

• Party Boat Charters up to 40 People
• Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
• Corporate Team Building Charters
• Private & Public Group Events!
• Sunset Cruises & Custom Packages

Cruise & Enjoy Views of the Holy City

Charleston party cat now has four party boat charters and is charleston’s favorite party cruise on the water, choose from the charleston party cat and the karaoke cat .

Get picked up and step aboard one of our awesome floating party boats. Your group will enjoy a state-of-the-art sound system, an awesome host, and it’s BYOB with plenty of cooler room, ice, and water. Our party boats can hold up to 40 guests with tabletop seating and an open-top bow. All of our party cruises require a 2-hour minimum to enjoy the water and amazing views of Historic Charleston.

VIEW OUR FLEET BOOK NOW

Bachelorettes & bachelors.

Having a last hurrah before you get hitched? Our bachelor and bachelorette boat cruises are one of the top things to do in Charleston, SC.

CORPORATE AND TEAM OUTINGS

Charleston Party Cat is perfect for team building activities to inspire your employees. Build relationships and enjoy a corporate outing on the water!

PRIVATE GROUP EVENTS & PARTIES

Some of the best memories are made on the water, and we’re here to help you make them! Perfect for groups, birthdays & other occasions!

Disco party

 This is a public party charter. There will be a DJ and snacks provided. It's $140 per person. It's exclusive to bachelorette and bachelor parties.

80/90's party

This is a public party charter. There will be a DJ, snacks, and mixers provided. It's $140 per person. It's exclusive to bachelorette and bachelor parties.

Sunset Cruise

Sunset Cruise – this is a public charter. There will be a live guitarist, snacks, and mixers provided. It's $99 per person.

HAVE QUESTIONS? WE CAN HELP!

Refer to our FAQ or send us a message below.

How did you hear about us ? Facebook Twitter Google Instagram The Knot Tripadvisor Referral Other

Occasion ? Bachelorette Party Bachelor Party Birthday Anniversary Team Building Corporate Other

Choose Your Boat Party Cat Karaoke Cat Lux Cat

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56 Ashley Point Dr. Slip E4 Charleston, SC 29407

Your Charleston Party Boat is a Click Away!

Carolina cabana club, ultimate private party boat rentals & charters in charleston.

Set sail and enjoy the ultimate party with up to 16 of your favorite people on your very own 2-hour long private cruise in a luxurious charter boat in the stunning Charleston Harbor. Bachelorette Party? Birthday Party? Team bonding? We've got you covered! We make sure all of our charters and celebrants feel as special as they are! Whatever the occasion, we're here to celebrate it with you

The Best Private Cruise in Charleston, SC

Celebrate with us while experiencing the best of Charleston on our 2-hour harbor cruise, featuring iconic sights like The Battery, Patriots Point, and Ravenel Bridge. If you are looking to keep the party going, extend your trip by at least +1 hour to anchor at a sandy island, ideal for splashing around in the Charleston sun (floaties included)! Contact us directly to personalize your celebration on your very own private party boat. Enjoy the ultimate views of Charleston, surrounded by best friends, music, dolphins, and scenic beauty.

What's Included?

● Fully private experience for up to 16 ● Two-hour cruise around the Charleston Harbor ● Fun USCG licensed captain and crew ●Pink cooler with Ice ●Cups, napkins, and bottled water ●Gold Karaoke Machine / Games ●Bluetooth Speakers to blast your favorite playlist ●Towels ●Swimming Floats (*must add at minimum 1 additional hour to get enough time to navigate to an island to swim, please contact us directly to customize). ●Nice restroom on board ●Insta worthy pics, and lifetime memories!

How much is an unforgettable memory?

Get ready to party and celebrate on our two-hour harbor cruise, priced at $975 (plus tax/fees). The party doesn't have to end there! Each additional hour is just an extra $450 (plus tax/fees). Want to go for a swim? No problem, please contact us via contact field/email/text/or phone call to customize your trip and add at minimum an additional hour of sun. Reach out to us directly, and we will be happy to customize our Charleston area private cruises to fit you and your group. ***Choose the option that suits you best: pay-in-full or hold your booking with a $250 (plus tax) non-refundable deposit (If balance is not paid in full, it will be automatically drafted 7-days prior to your charter). ***PLEASE NOTE: Gratuity is NOT included. We are 100% confident that our crew will work hard to make sure that you have the BEST time on board! Industry standard is 20%).*** Now lets lock in your spot!

PRIVATE CRUISES IN CHARLESTON

EXPLORE CAROLINA CABANA CLUB

BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Find Us On Instagram

@carolinacabanacruises.

(843) 779-5711

• Cruises & Tours
• Local Weather
• Captain's Log
• Yacht Delivery and Management

Party Boats Charleston SC

updated Jan 2024

We Are The Life Of The Party!!

While the majority of our booking are bachelorette parties we can always find an excuse to party and will help you celebrate whatever the occasion. We love what we do and it shows when you come aboard, which is one of the reasons why we were voted “Best Tour Company” in The Post and Courier Charleston’s Choice Awards.

The Perfect Boat For A Party On Charleston Harbor

Our party boat has a swim platform to make it easy to board and we have added rafts, noodles and other toys to make the trip even more fun. We have a head (bathroom) which always comes in handy on a party boat.

When You Want To Get Down!!

The sound system is bluetooth so it is easy for guests to connect and play their favorite music and the boat has a very wide 12 foot beam which makes it very stable with plenty of room to move around or, dance around!

Simply the Best Booze Cruise in Charleston, SC!

Enjoy soaking up some rays on the the huge sun pad or retreat from the sun as the boat is covered about 3/4 of the way to offer the best of both worlds. The decks are easy to clean so spilling of drinks and other stuff is not a problem if things get rowdy aboard, and this is actually encouraged! This makes it popular for a party for the guys when your best bud is about to get married as well as a party for the ladies  looking for something unique and fun for the bachelorette. We love it when our guest tell us that we made their trip!

Day Or Night Charleston Is A Beautiful Party Location

Shots at shem creek.

One of the more popular things to do is to head to Shem Creek for shots. It's a fun and beautiful place to stop with the many seafood restaurants and shrimp boats. The lights on the water at night make it a great place to float for a bit and enjoy some music, drinks on the boat, along with some dancing of course!

Relaxing and Calm or an Upbeat Start to a Night on the Town

A sunset cruise is best enjoyed on a charted vessel with a captain that will take you to the most idyllic locations while you relax and take in the sights, smells, and sounds. The views are truly stunning. If you are paying attention to the water in addition to the sky then you may just catch the appearance of a dolphin. This is the perfect way to end a day in Charleston as the sky over the city explodes with color and then darkness descends to reveal the quaint beauty of Downtown Charleston.

You are welcome to bring along your favorite beverages as well as your favorite tunes which can play over our bluetooth equipped sound system. If you prefer a quiet evening we can always take you to a more remote location or if you are wanting to start the evening off with some fun on the water and get a little more wild on the water under the painted sky we can accommodate that as well. Here at Carolina Marine Group it is always:

Your Day Your Way

What Our Guests Are Saying

Dave and danielle are the consummate hosts, they’re hospitality and friendliness make every tour something special ... hands down the best in charleston, katherine mccarthy.

Book A Party Today!!

Tour information.

Please Note: If you are also booking an overnight stay on our luxury yacht you will fill out dates for that later. This is specifically for dates related to booking a tour.

Do You Want More History And Talking From Your Tour Guide Or Less?

What type of atmosphere would you like, would you like to see more locations or less, would you like to have music or quiet, how private would you like your time on your tour to be, our pricing, how it works, "hatterass" our flagship, 6 passengers or less.

6 Passengers or less

2 Hour Minimum

 $250/HOUR plus 18% Gratuity

"Ship of Fools" Party Boat

Up to 18 passengers.

12 Passengers or less

$400/HOUR plus 18% Gratuity

13 to 18 Passengers

$500/HOUR plus 18% Gratuity

"Southern Comfort" Luxury Yacht

Sleeps up to 8 guests.

2 Night Minimum

Regular Season

$425 per night for 2 guests

Additional guests

$75 per person per night

Cleaning Fee

Have Questions?

You can contact us at any time at   (843) 779-5711

*Please note that prices are always subject to change and some tours are special set pricing. After you submit your request we will get back to you with exact pricing to complete booking of your tour.

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Book large groups or individual seats

CHARLESTON BREW BARGE

Up to 18 passengers

PUBLIC BOAT TOURS

Monday To Thursday $50 per person  + Gratuity. Friday To Sunday $55 per person  + Gratuity.

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS

Starting at $825  for the entire boat.

SALTWATER CYCLE

Up to 16 passengers

Monday To Thursday $50 per person  + Gratuity. Friday To Sunday $50 per person  + Gratuity.

Starting at $720  for the entire boat.

LARGE GROUPS

If your group is larger than 18 or you’d like to add additional packages to your tour, this option is perfect for you. Contact our party planners to discuss your options. For extra-large groups we can combine both of our Charleston party boats for 1 big party!

HOLIDAY RATES MAY APPLY. GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Need a great idea for a birthday or anniversary party? Have a blast with your friends and family on Charleston’s favorite boat cruise!

BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Planning a bachelorette party in Charleston SC? Let Saltwater Cycle help your bachelorette party have a day to remember with Charleston’s favorite boat cruise.

CUSTOM EVENTS FOR GROUPS

Our 21+ private boat cruise is perfect for Group Events up to 18. If you need help with a custom private boat tour or lager party size, contact us today.

Contact our party planners today to discuss custom group tour options.

Love saltwater cycle, purchase a gift.

Give the gift of FUN with a Charleston cycle boat tour.

Click the button below to buy a gift certificate to send your friend or loved one on one of Charleston’s favorite boat tours.

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Welcome Aboard the Best Party Boat in Charleston, SC

Awesome experience on the water aboard an eye-catching floating tiki bar

Sail in Style

Tiki Boat Tour Package Options Await

PRIVATE CHARTER

Sunset cruise, late night cruise, harbor cruise, about charleston tiki tours.

Here at Charleston Tiki Tours, we provide an awesome experience on the water aboard an eye-catching floating tiki bar.

The Knotty Tiki boat is great for any occasion if you want a private boat experience and a relaxed atmosphere. Our cruises are great for birthdays, anniversaries, happy hour, proposals, wedding parties, girls’ night out, bachelor/bachelorette parties, golfer outings, graduation parties, reunions, meetings, customer/employee appreciation, retirement parties, and more! Plus, we offer Tiki Boat Weddings along with a minister to officiate the proceedings.

Why choose us?

Unrivaled Reasons to Choose Our Tiki Boat Tours

Don’t pay more than you have to for drinks with markups on other boats when you can bring your favorite alcohol along!

Private Charters

We offer private charters so the boat can be filled with your closest family and friends only.

Your Local Expert

We have been working in Charleston for years and know the area well.

We accept cash, credit card and debit payments: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, as well as Venmo and CashApp.

No. Passengers are strongly encouraged to use bathroom facilities before boarding the boat.

Yes! There is a type 1 wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for each person. If you do not know how to (or cannot) swim, you MUST WEAR a lifejacket at all times. There is also a throw ring on the boat.

Cooper River Marina 1010 Tidewater Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 608-1692.

Powered by: XOLA Booking Software

Sip & Sea

Party boat charters based in charleston, sc, have any questions call us today, ready to party.

WHAT EVENT ARE YOU PLANNING?

Regardless of what outing you are trying to plan for, booking with Sip and Sea charters will help provide an unforgettable experience for you and for your guests. We are the perfect solution for unbeatable bachelorette, bachelor, birthday, graduations, sunset charters!

Bachelorette / Bachelor Party Cruises

It’s time to plan your bachelor or bachelorette party. You’re tired of the same thing? You want to make sure that this trip is unforgettable for you and your bridesmaids? Dare to be different and book your bachelor or bachelorette party on the most fun boat in Charleston Harbor today!

Celebrations

Is it time for a birthday, wedding, graduation, or getaway? We take care of every detail to ensure that your party time with us is everything you want it to be, both on and off the boat. Whatever adventure you’d like to create, Sip & Sea private boat charters are waiting to take you there.

Sunset Charters

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Charleston, S.C. and take amazing pictures as you cruise the harbor with a drink in hand. Indulge in total relaxation for the duration of our two-hour cruise. Sunset is known to be the most active times for wildlife, so have your camera ready to catch the action.

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT SIP AND SEA CHARTERS: 

Tamara Bartlett 

“Awesome sunset party cruise! Great sound system with an awesome captain and crew!! Captain Richard and Captain Mike will do anything to guarantee the best time! Smooth rides and fun times with Sip and Sea!”

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PRICING:

SIP AND SEA CHARTERS CURRENTLY HAS TWO BOATS IN OUR FLEET THAT CAN ACOMMADATE UP TO 16 PEOPLE!

ALL BOATS ARE EQUIPPED WITH: 

- STATE OF THE ART SOUND-SYSTEM 

- COMFORTABLE SEATING 

- COOLER WITH ICE FOR BEVERAGES 

- WATER FLOATS

PRICES FOR DIFFERENT CHARTERS ARE LISTED BELOW:  

2 HOUR CHARTER

Starting at $700

***no beach stop

3 HOUR CHARTER

Starting at $1000

4 HOUR CHARTER

Starting at $1400

See what a party looks aboard Sip And Sea:

Get a New Perspective

The only thing that can make Charleston more beautiful is seeing it from the water.

Charleston Private Charters

At High Tide Harbor Tours, we provide guests with unforgettable experiences on Charleston’s beautiful local waterways. Join us for exceptional private party boat charters and tours in Charleston, SC today. No matter your destination, we have a boat and itinerary to suit. With custom-tailored activities and a fleet of several luxurious, top-of-the-line boats, High Tide Harbor Tours is your top choice for boat tours in the Charleston area. From romantic sunset trips to booze cruises and bachelorette parties, we have you covered.

​Experience the beauty of Charleston’s islands with one of High Tide’s Island Tours. You’ll see the Historic, Charleston Battery, Ft. Sumter, the Yorktown, Sullivan’s Island & more. We also travel to the Folly Beach area and can take you to explore Shem Creek as well!

​Just want to explore? We can help with the best private yacht charters in Charleston. Choose from our fleet of outstanding boats to meet your needs. All of our boats are designed for ease of navigation and loaded with features to make your experience on the water more enjoyable.

Wagon Wheel

​With extensive knowledge of the Charleston area, Captain Dan and his staff can arrange a customized private boat ride for your party. Whether you have a particular destination in mind or just want to see the sights, we can accommodate nearly any waterway agenda.

An Expert at the Helm

​An experienced yachtsman, Captain Dan has over 30 years of boating and sailing experience. A licensed captain since 1984, he has sailed yachts all over the world. Also well-versed in rescue operations, he is an expert in at-sea mechanical repair, firefighting, and CPR. Now making his home on the Carolina coast, he is ready to provide you with the ultimate cruising experience!

Last Minute Request?

We love last minute requests! Call Captain Dan at 843-860-5719

Book Your Boat Charter Today

Want a party on the water, day-long adventure or a Charleston sunset cruise excursion? You’ve got it. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drink items aboard to create a wonderful dinner cruise or cocktail cruise experience.

Wherever and whenever you want to go on the water, High Tide Harbor Tours can get you there in style and luxury. To schedule a private boat tour in Charleston, SC, contact Captain Dan today!

© 2024 High Tide Harbor Tours

• (843)-810-5912

Bachelorette Party Boat Charleston SC

5,0 (155 reviews) · 128 bookings

Charleston is the #1 bachelor and bachelorette destination in the country, which means that Harborbar is well-equipped for your party needs! Celebrate your upcoming nuptials with your best pals aboard the finest party boat in the Lowcountry!

• up to 26 ppl
• 50$ per person
• Location:  Ripley Light Marina 56 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

BACH boat party

If you are looking for a unique bachelorette or bachelor party in Charleston, South Carolina, Harbor Bar Tours has the experience you are looking for.

Harbor Bar is the ultimate party on the water! Our boat is a spacious, pedal-powered party boat that seats up to twenty-six people. You pack your beverages and your closest friends, we’ll supply the sound system, the lighting, a dance floor and the seating. It’s time to jump aboard for the nautical experience of a lifetime.

Important information

• Trips going out daily from 9 am to 9 pm every 2 hours
• It’s 50$ from Sun-Thru and 55$ Fr-St
• You will receive a confirmation on your e-mail at the time of booking
• Bring your favorite drinks, ice, and snacks.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• We have a restroom on board.
• Well behaved pets are very welcomed
• This tour/activity will have a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 26 travelers

Meeting point

Harborbar Pedal Tours is located at Ripley Light Marina 56 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407 Our boat is at Dock C. The marina has multiple entrances, but our dock is directly in front of the entrance of La Quinta Hotel

• Open in Google Maps

How to book Boat Tour

Thanks for getting this far! Booking is easy just choose your preferred type of tour and Press “Book”

• You will see a real-time availability calendar Click your preferred date to browse availability for your date
• You will see time slots from 9 am to 9 pmAvailability for each time slot will show what is “left” for that tour (ex.: 1pm 9 Left! 3pm 26 Left! )
• 26 left! tells you that boat is empty. You can start your own tour if you have 5 or more guests
• If you have less than 5 guests, choose a tour that has already been started (21 and less slots left to book)
• Next step – you see contact information form, payment type, and cancelation policy on one screen
• After completion, a confirmation email will be sent to you

About this activity

harborbarchs

Frequently Asked Questions

Light snacks are welcome

Yes or we don’t move. Joking, we have an engine

No it is BYOB and of course, it is on the guests to drink responsibly

Yes, of course!  Book here

Yes, the more the merrier. Everyone is required to sign a waiver when they book and of course, underage drinking is strictly prohibited.

Hop Aboard the Best Party Boat in Charleston

Bachelor & Bachelorette Party Charleston SC

Booze Cruise Charleston

Sunset Cruise in Charleston SC

Birthday Party on Boat

We are always happy to hear from you don’t hesitate to reach out.

• Ripley Light Marina 56 Ashley Point Drive Charleston SC 29407
• Contact us on WhatsApp!

Your adventure on Charleston’s beautiful harbor awaits!

Looking For Fun Things To Do In Charleston?

Captain Cocktail Cruises

Charleston’s newest party boat.

Max Capacity 22 Private / 18 Public ( Our Boat Has A Bathroom )

• Bachelorette Parties
• Private Charters
• Dolphin Watching

Sunset Cruise

• Harbor Tour
• Evening Cruise

Charleston Cruises & Party Boat

Come aboard Captain Cocktail’s Shem Creek or downtown Charleston dock and get ready to have the party of your life! . Get the dance party ready! Bring the best playlist on your phone and become the DJ on our custom sound system. We have plenty of games to keep the party going. We have coolers full of ice to keep the beverages cold!! Ladies we know what’s important…. private bathrooms with a sink! No need to jump in (unless you want)! Our CFO Chief Fun Officer, Captain Cocktail, guarantees to make the party as historic as Charleston itself! Each Bachelorette Party Boat Cruise is unique completely customizable for you !

$950 Up To 14 People

2 Hour Cruise + $475 Per Additional Hr

$1050 15-18 People

2 Hour Cruise + $525 Per Additional Hr

$1150 19-22 People

2 Hour Cruise + $575 Per Additional Hr

$45 Per Person

1.5 Hour Cruise All Public Cruises

Need To Know Cruise Info

Boyb and byosnacks, limit glass to champagne and wine bottles. cooler, ice & bottled water provided.

Maximum Passengers: Private Charters are 22, Public Charters are 18. Public cruises require at least 5 people to go out.

The boat comes stocked with floating water mat, pool noodles, floaties, your favorite OG party game "Twister" painted right on deck.

Bang'n bluetooth ready sound system complete with Kareokee! Mic drops? Yes Please.

Private Custom Charters

Your day your way we are locals, we've been around, just ask and you shall recieve. our private charters are completely customizable..

A memorable way for nearly anyone to celebrate for graduations, birthday parties, reunions, corporate gatherings, Team Building, and Just Because.

Bachelorette Party Cruise

Calling all bachelor & bachelorette party planners. have you heard about the best party on the water in charleston, sc.

Captain Cocktail knows how to party, and we’ve got you and your crew of up to 22 covered for some of your most popular occasions. Charleston, SC is the #1 destination on the east coast for bachelorette parties, so of course we have a private bachelorette party cruise. Getting married isn’t the only thing worth celebrating though.

Are you looking for a relaxing way to ease into the evening? Bear witness the majesty that is a Charleston Harbor sunset and make some new friends in the process.

Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek sunset cruises are available both public ( max 18 ) and private ( max 22 .) Keep in mind the sun sets at different times throughout the year so if you're specifically wanting a sunset charter make sure you let us know when you book. We can't control the weather nor can we tell the sun when to set.

Charleston Harbor Tour

See the sights from an entirely new perspective, sea-level. our charleston harbor tour hits all the sights in one convienient charter..

Expierience Charleston's history from an entirely new point of view. You'll see the Aurthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, USS Yorktown, Fort Sumter, and you might even see a dolphin or two.

Dolphin Watching Tour

We guarantee a dolphin sighting on every dolphin wathing cruise or you get your money back..

Come watch and learn about our favorite mammal on a dolphin cruise! Dolphin cruises are available both publicly ( max 18 ) and privately ( max 22 .) Keep in mind we time these cruises with the tides to increase sightings. If you're specifically wanting a dolphin watching, let us know when you book.

Evening Lights Cruise

See charleston shine bright like a diamond on our evening harbor cruise.

Expierience all the sights illuminated for the night. You'll see the Yorktown CV-10, Ravenel Jr Bridge, and Charleston skyline on this evening cruise.

Ask Us Anything

Not quite ready to book your cruise get all the answers you're looking for. call, chat or complete the form and we'll respond asap., (843) 513-3246, book online, make your public or private cruise reservations online., all reservations are contingent on the weather., captain cocktail dock.

1 Shrimp Boat Lane Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Water’s Edge Resturant

1407 Shrimp Boat Ln Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

South Carolina women stay perfect, surge past N.C. State 78-59 to reach NCAA title game

CLEVELAND (AP) - All-America center Kamilla Cardoso scored 22 points and unbeaten South Carolina emphatically kept its perfect season going, advancing to the championship game of the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 78-59 victory over North Carolina State on Friday night.

The talented and tenacious Gamecocks (37-0) led by one at halftime before putting their full arsenal on display in the third quarter. They outscored the Wolfpack 29-6 to turn what had been a tense matchup into another blowout.

South Carolina will meet the winner of the second Final Four game between Iowa and UConn - a matchup featuring stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers that has created a buzz across America - for the national title on Sunday.

Aziaha James scored 20 points for No. 3 seed N.C. State (31-7), which knocked off a No. 1 and a No. 2 seed to get to Cleveland.

The Wolfpack had no shot against the Gamecocks, who were a unanimous No. 1 most of the season in the AP Top 25 and are aiming to become the first undefeated national champions since UConn in 2016.

Cardoso added 11 rebounds while playing just 23 minutes. She hurt her right leg late in the first half and returned in the third quarter, wearing a black compression sleeve on the leg. She did not play in the fourth.

Ashlyn Watkins was just as dominant inside for the Gamecocks, finishing with 20 rebounds along with eight points. Raven Johnson added 13 points.

N.C. State coach Wes Moore knew his team would have to play its best to have any chance of bringing down bigger, badder South Carolina.

On Thursday, he likened the semifinal to a David-vs.-Goliath matchup and promised his team would “put the stone in the sling and let it rip.” The Wolfpack needed more than stones.

Relishing the underdog role, the Wolfpack were hoping to replicate some of the magic the school’s conjured in 1983, when N.C. State, coached by Jim Valvano, shocked the hoop world by beating heavily favored Houston in the NCAA title game - an upset that helped define March madness.

But unlike a year ago, when South Carolina stormed into the Final Four in Dallas with an identical 36-0 record before losing to Clark and Iowa in the semis, the Gamecocks kept this season pristine.

The 6-foot-7 Cardoso made sure of it despite not moving as well as usual after the injury. South Carolina, which won by an average of 29.6 points this season, left no doubt after halftime, showing its dominance to a sellout crowd and a national TV audience.

Te-Hina Paopao and Johnson made 3-pointers as the Gamecocks quickly stretched their lead to 10, and they closed the quarter with a dizzying 17-1 run that quieted a rowdy N.C. State crowd.

While this unprecedented season of women’s basketball has been largely driven by Clark’s assault on the record books with her logo-distance 3-pointers and charisma inspiring fans from coast to coast, one team rose to the top.

It’s been South Carolina all along.

These Gamecocks have ruled the roost with equal amounts of depth, talent and swagger.

Staley wasn’t sure what type of team she had when the season began after having to replace five starters from last year’s squad. She also worried about her young team’s carefree attitude and whether this group would mature.

But not only did the Gamecocks bond and get themselves together, they’re one win from cementing South Carolina as a dynasty.

Cardoso, who declared for the WNBA draft earlier this week, began to establish herself inside in the second quarter. The Brazilian scored South Carolina’s first 12 points before Johnson’s jumper put the Gamecocks up 30-24.

But on South Carolina’s next possession, Cardoso tweaked her right ankle on a drive and came up limping. After struggling to get back on defense, she fouled to get a whistle so Staley could get her off the floor.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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