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To the Unofficial Sacramento Monarchs WebSite.
Sunday, June 11
Monarchs Surge in Second Half, Drop Comets to 0-10
SACRAMENTO, (AP) -- Chelsea Newton scored a career-high 17 points and the Sacramento Monarchs pulled away in the second half Saturday night for a 75-63 victory over the winless Houston Comets.
The Comets have opened the season with 10 straight losses, eight by 10 or more points. Houston had never had more than a four-game losing streak in the franchise's previous 10 seasons, all under coach Van Chancellor, who retired after the 2006 season.
Trailing for most of the game, the Monarchs (7-3) ended the third quarter with an 8-0 run for a 47-40 lead. Nicole Powellscored four straight points to put Sacramento ahead for good and Yolanda Griffith followed with two more baskets for the seven-point cushion.
The Monarchs ran off 10 consecutive points early in the fourth and led by as many as 18 in winning their second straight game and moving past Los Angeles for first place in the Western Conference.
Griffith, who is playing with a sore thumb in the early season, scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half. Rebekkah Brunson had 12 points and Scholanda Robinson added 10.
Bothered throughout by the Monarchs aggressive defense and a lack of ball movement, Houston committed 28 turnovers, including 22 in the first three quarters.
Tina Thompson, who scored 33 points in last Monday's 15-point loss to Sacramento, was doubled teamed throughout the game and had most of her 24 points in the game's final five minutes.
Hamchetou Maiga-Ba added 12 points for the Comets, who were outscored 21-10 in the third quarter.
Kara Lawson missed all eight shots and had two points for Sacramento after scoring 24 points in her last game against Houston.
Thompson scored eight points and Maiga-Ba had seven to help Houston take a 30-26 lead. Playing their worst half of the season, the Monarchs shot 26 percent and committed 12 turnovers.
7-3, First
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Monday, June 19
5:00PM
@ Chicago Sky
TV: NBA-TV
Sunday, May 20
Monarchs 2007 Season Preview
The Monarchs are heading into the season with a roster that has only gotten stronger with the few tweaks that have been made. While we still have three months to enjoy what is yet to unfold, here is SacramentoMonarchs.com look at the Monarchs upcoming season.
Prospective Starters:
Yolanda Griffith - Yo is a certain Hall of Famer and while she is a year older, she is healthy and strong. Yo has more confidence than ever in her teammates and their ability to be successful together. If there is one player that should be used as a barometer for how the Monarchs should do, it is this Monarchs veteran center. Sure, Yo has achey knees, but that didn't stop her from leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks in 2006. Yo has been upbeat throughout training camp, she is beaming, seriously, with assurance - that's the best news for the Monarchs faithful and terrible news for Monarchs foes.
DeMya Walker - DeMya is hungrier than ever. The happy go-lucky forward is quick to make oppositions upset with her low post presence, rather than make them smile like her teammates do when they think of her. DeMya's daughter Zachara, is one year old now and along with her father, will be joining D here in Sacramento, after the Monarchs return from Houston in June. Fit and energetic as always, DeMya improved in every major statistical category during the Monarchs 2006 playoff run and is looking forward to carrying this momentum into the 2007 WNBA season.
Nicole Powell- Nicole is one of the most talented all-around players in the WNBA. She, too, showed that she performs at her best when it matters most, increasing her production across the board for the Monarchs during the postseason. Powell, had an off shooting year last season, but she is confident and ready to prove that her shooting form is back to 40-plus percent. Powell has looked extremely focused and determined throughout her shortened training camp period.
Chelsea Newton- Chelsea hasn't stopped smiling since she returned to Sac-town. Then again, spending one year on an expansion team that won just five games, would give anybody a new perspective! Chelsea has shown that she has continued to make progress in her midrange jumper and three-point shot. Her defense is as good as ever, if not a step quicker. Her positive attitude and endline-to-endline defensive prowess are certain to make a difference.
Ticha Penicheiro - The All-Time WNBA assist leader is primed for another run as the Monarchs floor general. Penicheiro is a future WNBA Hall of Famer in her own right and continues to pick opponents pockets on defense. She is arguably the best point guard to ever play and her ability to create an open shot for her teammates will be necessary for the Monarchs to be just as effective on the offensive end as they are on defense. As is the case with a basketball team - NBA or WNBA - when you have one of the greatest post players and point guards in recent memory, you are considered a contender. And while that is obviously a tribute to both Yolanda and Tichas historic careers, every team the Monarchs encounter will bring their A-game knowing that the Monarchs continue to be a measuring stick in the league.
Bench: While the following players may not be the starters, they are essential to the team's success this season. The Monarchs are deep this year, which could be their biggest asset other than their defense.
Rebekkah Brunson - Bekky played in just one preseason game, but she showed already that her spring-like legs are ready to roll. Brunson's ability to crash the boards and play outstanding interior defense, due to her quick feet and overall body strength, will be huge off the bench. She would easily start on any other WNBA team and will challenge DeMya for a starting spot on the Monarchs roster.
Kristin Haynie - The leader of the Hayniacs proved that she is a solid WNBA point guard as she demonstrated the ability to increase her output as the stakes grew higher in the 2006 playoffs. Haynie learned a lot about adversity during her offseason in Russia and she is anxious to lead the Monarchs when Ticha needs a rest. Coach Boucek has been impressed with Haynie's court vision and ability to get the ball to her teammates in the right position. Haynie's jumper also looks improved.
Kara Lawson - K-Law is one of the hardest working women on and off the court. Luckily for the Monarchs her work off the court is only bettered, by her dedication to improving on it. Lawson spent countless hours in the gym during the offseason perfecting her shooting touch. She also went through extensive training to get into better shape. She is not just an intelligent player, she is a leader and her entire game looks better than ever.
Scholanda Robinson - Scho could very well be the Monarchs most improved player from the end of last season. She wanted to minimize her turnovers this season, so she has been working religiously on her ball handling and so far she has look sound in that area during training camp. Scho also wanted to get stronger and her strength training has already shown that she is more confident in her defense.
Adrian Williams - Williams has been around the league, but only because she is a desirable talent. Last Sunday, Williams showed what she is capable of, playing against the team that originally drafted her, grabbing six offensive and six defensive rebounds against the Mercury. Williams' work on the offensive boards, will be key for the Monarchs when the WNBA's All-Time leader in offensive rebounds, Yo, needs a breather. Being traded from the Western Conference team with the worst-record to the Western Conference Champions has Williams revitalized.
Kim Smith - Smith works tirelessly in the gym. She is frequently the last player off the Monarchs practice court and she hopes to make a bigger impact this season. Smith has a great knowledge of the game and is shooting better than ever. Smith's more than 40 percent shooting from downtown allows the Monarchs to stretch the floor and gives them yet another talented weapon off the bench.
Brittany Wilkins - Wilkins doesn't expect to get a lot of playing time, but don't think she isn't ready. Wilkins brings the intangibles, with her ability to take charges, scrap for boards and rile up her teammates. Wilkins positive attitude and love for the game are always apparent. She wants to do anything and everything to help the team.
La'Tangela Atkinson - Tangy has the ability to create for her teammates, play strong defense on multiple positions, and score. Tangy will be a welcome addition to the Monarchs loaded bench as her dynamic game will give Boucek multiple options for substitutions.
Head Coach Jenny Boucek is lauded for her great work ethic and her ability to communicate with her players. Boucek's knowledge and care for the game of basketball is remarkable. Yet Boucek's most notable quality is her love for people, not just her players, but everyone around her - even the opposition. Boucek has a never-die attitude and a competitive edge that will fire-up the Monarchs game in and game out. This season is certain to be enticing. All the while, the overarching feeling will be a demonstration of how hard work, perseverance and passion create success.
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