LOS ANGELES – Following a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Lynx earlier this week, the Los Angeles Sparks obtained again within the win column with a 92-88 win over the Connecticut Solar on Saturday. Coming into the sport, the Sparks had been a bit of short-handed after the crew’s choice to chop veteran middle Mercedes Russelldecision to chop veteran middle Mercedes Russell. Russell had been the first backup middle, and in opposition to the Solar that function went to rookie Sania Feagin.
Earlier than the sport, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts stated she was going to present Sania Feagin a possibility because the backup middle, and the rookie ended up taking part in six minutes within the win. Following the sport, Roberts had robust reward for Feagin’s first prolonged look in fairly a while.
There was one play specifically that Feagin made that caught the attention of the teaching workers additionally instantly as she entered the sport. Feagin caught a go, dove to the basket, and as an alternative of attempting to power one thing in opposition to the protection, she turned and kicked the ball out to Azurá Stevens in a play at ultimately led to a three-point shot.
“Our workers, we had been all speaking about it, like nice choice. Generally you get in there and also you haven’t performed shortly, and that was the proper choice, it was an incredible learn,” Roberts stated. “You’ll be able to see her potential. She’s a giant, robust participant. She’ll get higher with extra minutes. However I believed she was good.”
“She missed a shot, and I used to be like, ‘That’s alright, you bought the following one,’ then she fired a 3,” Roberts continued. “However I really like the vitality and the keenness. And there’s a pleasure that she brings which is enjoyable.”
In whole, Feagin missed all three of her photographs and didn’t register a single stat aside from one blocked shot. However that blocked shot got here at an important time when the Solar had been attempting to increase their lead. Bria Hartley raced down courtroom and seemingly had a simple bucket, just for Feagin to satisfy her on the rim and deny the shot. She continued to indicate flashes of that defensive capability as she was matched up in opposition to Tina Charles, the WNBA’s second all-time main scorer, on a number of possessions.
The Sparks’ roster at present stands at 11 gamers following the choice to waive Russell. The crew clearly has the choice so as to add a twelfth participant, however for the instant future, it seems as if Feagin has been slotted in as the first reserve massive. The Sparks are nonetheless with out Cameron Brink who has but to be cleared to return from her damage rehab.