Backrow to Baseline 

During this Finals season, there has been one surprise to quite literally everyone but me: Kiah Stokes. I remember last year, in Game 3 of the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm series, Becky Hammon subbed in Stokes for defensive rebounding purposes. Stokes, who had lost most of her playing time to NaLyssa Smith and Megan Dileo, did exactly what she needed to, and the Aces went on to win the series. Stokes is really good at being in her spot. She's never too hot or cold, in the

Over the Golden State Valkyries’ last five games, star Gabby Williams has played a total of 103 minutes. To the average viewer, that may seem like a lot. But over that same five-game span, players like Paige Bueckers and Kelsey Mitchell played 156 and 181 minutes, respectively, despite having similarly significant roles on their teams. That’s what impresses me most about the Valkyries: they prioritize quality minutes from a large group of players rather than placing a massive

It’s the end of the third-quarter battle between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings. Because the Valkyries lead by over ten, one player who hasn’t seen much action this season, Laeticia Amihere, played most of the quarter and ended it off with two statement blocks at the buzzer. She hasn’t played more than 10 games this season, but she did get some playing time earlier in the season. I remember Amihere being cut last year at the end of preseason. Later in the season,

“Being active and physical can earn you a spot,” said Candace Parker. This is the only time I agree with something she’s said on this broadcast. I remember last year I was waiting anxiously to see who would be released from the Indiana Fever training camp, Makayla Timpson or Bree Hall. I remember hearing Coach Stephanie White say how grateful they were Timpson fell so far in the draft, so I knew Hall’s chances were pretty low. However, both are on the squad now, Hall as a dev

My 11th-grade U.S. history teacher, Mr. Jezak, went to Notre Dame University. Coincidentally, Las Vegas Aces backup forward Brianna Turner was matriculating there at the same time. Learning this information last fall kept her name in my mind, and I've began to think more of her while watching the Indiana Fever vs. Aces' third meeting this season. I’ve come to the conclusion think Turner fits in a category with Kiah Stokes that I'd like to call "sleeper defenders." This year,

Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles Her stats speak for themselves: 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Runner-ups: Sydney Taylor Azzi Fudd Flau'jae Johnson Most Improved Player Jessica Shepard The new triple double queen. Runner-ups: Marina Mabrey Carla Leite Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve I have to admit, I did not have the Lynx as contenders this year. Losing Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman, along with Napheesa Collier's injuries, had many of us worried.