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| Sunday, May 16 Inside the Sacramento Monarchs |
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ANALYSIS BY NANCY LIEBERMAN  We saw two sides of Sacramento in 2003 -- the team that started off 3-7 riddled with injuries, and the squad that closed out the regular season with a 12-4 run, then ousted Houston in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Los Angeles by just three points in the decisive Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
So which version will we see in 2004? That's the big question, but with every starter back, as well as coach John Whisenant -- who took over as interim head coach with 10 games left in the regular season -- leading the way, things look promising for the Monarchs. Sacramento's inside game remains its strength as Yolanda Griffith, Tangela Smith and DeMya Walker, who combined to average 35.4 points and 17.5 rebounds last season, are all back. Edna Campbell's first complete season after coming back from breast cancer was sensational, and leadership has never been a problem in Sacramento with talented Ticha Penicheiro (a league-best 6.7 apg in 2003) leading the way at point guard. However, the Monarchs really lack a pure outside shooter, and that was something we thought the front office would address in the draft or by trade. So far, rumors have come and gone, but a trade never materialized. And if Sacramento doesn't have a starter who can knock down shots consistently from 3-point range, that could be a huge hole. Yes, Campbell and Kara Lawson each shot about 40 percent from beyond the arc last season, sinking 46 and 54 3-pointers, respectively. Still, they averaged less than eight points apiece. When opposing defenses pack it in on Griffith and Smith inside, an outside threat is a must to either take advantage of the open looks or help stretch the defense and allow Sacramento's posts a little more room. All that said, Sacramento, even lacking an outside threat, once again has all the parts -- youth, veterans, leadership, defense -- to be a title team, and should be able to increase its 65 points-per-game average a year ago. Whisenant has instilled a calm, simple yet effective style in Sacramento, and though he emphasizes defense, he loves to let his team run free. If they can stay healthy, the Monarchs will cause major problems in the West.
STARTING FIVE
Ticha Penicheiro, PG: She's one of the best at finding the open player and running the show. She must contribute more offensively (scoring average dipped three points last season) for the Monarchs to compete.Edna Campbell, SG: A veteran who can score at the wing, Campbell also remains a clutch defender and is still getting stronger. DeMya Walker, SF: She has worked very hard to complete her game, loves to run and is solid at attacking the rim and shooting the face-up jumper. Tangela Smith, PF: Long, explosive and a great complement to Yolanda Griffith, Smith is a tough matchup with her elbow jumpers and athleticism Yolanda Griffith, C: A healthy season could keep her rated among the top posts in the game. By the end of the game she can pile on the points, rebounds and blocks. She can also defend and is working hard on her low-post game.
BENCH
Kara Lawson is a young, solid talent who can score and play tough defense. Her versatility also is a plus; she can play the 1 as well as the 2 if the Monarchs need more offense. Ruthie Bolton will always be considered one of the game's most stalwart warriors. She's a very strong, physical defender, and although she doesn't score as much as she has in the past, you can never count her out.
Rebekkah Brunson, the Monarchs' first-round pick at No. 10 overall, keeps surprising us. We knew the Georgetown forward would go in the first round, but Sacramento was projected to select a backcourt player to help bolster perimeter scoring, especially since Penicheiro's average has dipped to just 5.4 points per game. Brunson has had an impressive preseason, playing some of Walker's minutes to average 19 mpg in two preseason games. As expected, Sacramento is enamored with her defense, rebounding and ability to run the floor, and though her offense needs a lot of work, she has a bit more offensive skills than we first thought. Plus, Brunson might be counted on a little more heavily as Chantelle Anderson continues to come back from an offseason injury.
QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED
Can Sacramento contend for the title without that outside threat? Will they trade for a shooter? If so, Sacramento's tremendous post depth might come in handy.
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