Brea Beal of Rock Island plays for South Carolina in NCAA tournament

DALLAS, Texas (KWQC) - Brea Beal has been a constant in the South Carolina starting lineup since she stepped foot on campus, starting 136 of 137 games she’s played. However, she’s quick to give her teammates the credit for the team’s success.

“[We have] the ability to stick by each other’s side, uplift each other and just tell [each other to] keep pushing,” Beal said.

Beal’s game has taken a step up this season. She’s averaging 6.5 points per game, the most since her sophomore year.

“Brea has always been a lockdown defender. I think, this year, especially, she’s able to take you off the dribble, shoot the catch-and-shoot three, create her own three-point shot,” said South Carolina senior Aliyah Boston. “She’s really added a lot to her game, and it is really cool to see.”

While Beal prepares for a Final Four matchup with Iowa, back home in the Quad Cities, Beal’s legacy is all around the Rock Island High School gymnasium.

“It’s amazing to see how many girls, if you go on social media, how many kids remember her from when she played here, or are just excited to watch her and give her shoutouts. They are so proud of her, and she sets an example for all little girls who have played in our program, starting with the Future Lady Rocks, and that is what Brea did,” said Henry Hall, Rock Island High School’s varsity girls’ basketball coach. “Brea is showing them that if you work hard, and do what you need to, anything is possible. Right now she is showing all the skills that she had the whole four years she was here. Her versatility, especially on the defensive end has been incredible.”

“With the Iowa matchup looming, Beal said she is looking forward to the game.

“I feel like last year we could have played them, but it just didn’t happen,” Beal said. “[I’m] excited, it should be a good game.