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Why Lacrosse Gamers Will have to Be Multi-Recreation Athletes

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Why Lacrosse Gamers Will have to Be Multi-Recreation Athletes

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Most people believe that the key to great performance in one sport is specialization in that sport. Logically, it should make sense on paper-this is where you focus all of your time and energy; therefore, you will automatically get better at this particular sport. In real life, it is quite the opposite. In my position, I have spoken to literally hundreds of lacrosse players. I can’t even tell you how many have said they have stopped playing all the other sports and have focused on just one sport: lacrosse. As great as this may sound, like the plan to success, the risks and downsides of an athlete having only one sport in which he or she competes is MUCH greater than most parents realize.

Burnout is one of the more common issues associated with early specialization. When athletes are only specializing in one sport, especially at such a young age, their likelihood of burning out by high school is much greater. Lacrosse, like any sport, can lose its excitement when it’s the only thing you do day in and day out. What started as a passion often becomes a chore, and I’ve seen too many parents frustrated when their child suddenly loses interest in continuing with their sport after years of investment. Interestingly, the many high school athletes who switch to lacrosse after years of playing other sports like football or basketball often find themselves enthusiastic again, putting a new spark into their game since they seem particularly excited to try something different. People who have only ever known lacrosse miss this excitement sometimes simply because they have never taken the time to try another sport and re-ignite their passion.

One-sport specialization also cuts an athlete from their full potential. This may seem to be counterintuitive to one’s reasoning but the reality is that every different sport comes along with a unique skill set to an athlete that enhances his ability physically and mentally. The physicality is taught in football, while the dynamic movement is honed in basketball and endurance in soccer. With multiple sports, athletes develop a wide range of attributes physically, helping them in any athletic context. No, this doesn’t mean that a lacrosse-only player won’t develop these traits; being a well-rounded athlete who can apply the skills learned from different sports leads to fast and balanced development, especially at a young age. For example, a lacrosse player who has also played basketball and soccer may possess superior footwork, endurance, and agility compared with another individual who has experienced only lacrosse.

Beyond the physical factor, playing multiple sports brings forth a mental side that is just as important. An athlete who focuses their time and efforts on one sport over a period of time will develop a good understanding of the particular IQ of that sport. But in playing multiple sports, the perspective for the athlete expands, cultivating something that can be termed an “athletic IQ.” While there would be specific advantages to each sport, there’s a kind of universality among many: spacing, decision-making, winning one-on-one situations, and team chemistry. Playing multiple sports allows the kids to see the bigger picture and apply those principles inside and outside the game in general. The result is a more well-rounded player who can better adapt to the game in various situations. This kind of varied athletic development has been shown time and time again to be correlated with superior long-term outcomes for any multi-sport athlete.

Another positive aspect of being a multi-sport athlete is the varieties of teams, coaches, and playing environments one will be exposed to. Many athletes specializing in one sport will continue with the same coach or same club for much of their developmental years. While this might bring a certain amount of continuity, it is limiting. For an athlete to get better, they need to be uncomfortable and challenged to learn from different coaches and different teammates constantly. Understanding the different coaching styles and philosophies not only broadens an athlete’s knowledge but also aids in developing resilience. Even with the greatest coach in the world, other coaches offer their perspectives, which will further enhance your game. Moreover, being on different teams introduces them to new social dynamics. Being with the same teammates all one’s childhood can be fun, but there’s great value in learning to adjust with changing groups. Especially important is the ability to adapt to styles of play, personalities, and environments, since as athletes progress to higher levels, teams are in a state of constant flux. Those who have gone through various sports tend to become more flexible, adaptive, and resilient with the friction of team dynamics.

Last but not least, let’s not forget the fact that sports are for enjoyment! Playing a variety of sports keeps things fresh and exciting. It allows them to expand their skills, keep them interested, and avoid the monotony brought in by participation in only one sport. In this case, multi-sport athletes happen to be successful because they can be better mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for the demands of competitive athletics, not just in competing in lacrosse but in every other aspect of their respective sports. More lacrosse players need to understand the value of being a multi-sport athlete.

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No. 1 NY Liberty are one win clear of the WNBA Finals, as No. 2 Minnesota Lynx and No. 3 Connecticut struggle for sequence benefit

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No. 1 NY Liberty are one win clear of the WNBA Finals, as No. 2 Minnesota Lynx and No. 3 Connecticut struggle for sequence benefit

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The GIST: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s trophy collection keeps growing with more WNBA end-of-season hardware being dished out, but only one member of the recently announced and absolutely stacked All-Rookie Team remains in contention for the championship title. Here’s what’s at stake in tonight’s crucial Game 3s.

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx and No. 3 Connecticut Sun fighting for edge in scrappy 1-1 series: The first two games of this thrilling matchup have been downright physical and full of trash talk, largely a result of both teams’ top-notch defense.

  • Two of the W’s best — 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and Lynx living legend, Napheesa Collier, and the Sun’s do-it-all queen Alyssa Thomas — have been guarding each other throughout the series.
  • The result? Collier, who scored a combined 80 points in the first two round one playoff games, has only registered 28 across two games vs. the Sun.
  • And while Thomas’ penchant for double-doubles has remained largely unchanged against the Lynx, the rest of her squad will need to step up as this series shifts to Connecticut tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Can’t wait.

No. 1 NY Liberty need just one win to clinch a second-consecutive Finals appearance: The hungry and vengeful Libs are up 2-0 on the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces, putting the No. 4 seed on the brink of elimination as the series shifts to Sin City tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET.

  • Far from breezing to a three-peat, the Aces have an uphill battle ahead — no WNBA team has ever overcome a two-game deficit to win a best-of-five series.
  • But this one is far from over. Games 1 and 2 were nailbiters thanks to strong fourth-quarter performances from NY’s Sabrina Ionescu and Vegas’ reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. Plus, Las Vegas has home-court advantage on their side and no choice but to go all in.



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FIBA: EuroLeague Girls loaded with WNBA ability for 2024-25 season

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FIBA: EuroLeague Girls loaded with WNBA ability for 2024-25 season

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FIBA’s EuroLeague Women, commonly regarded as one of the world’s top international basketball competitions, returns for the 2024-25 season. Group play will begin this Tuesday, October 8, and will continue through late January 2025. The EuroLeague Women postseason will then begin in February, with the competition championship being held on Sunday, April 13.

For the next few months, Swish Appeal will be bringing you weekly EuroLeague Women coverage, including game times, links to live game streams, and of course, the players you should be following. For now, here’s a quick refresher on the EuroLeague Women basics, with a focus on which WNBA and WNBA-adjacent players will be competing this winter.

What is EuroLeague Women?

Belgian forward Emma Meesseman will once again be playing for Turkish club Fenerbahçe Opet this EuroLeague Women season.
Photo by ALTAN GOCHER/Hans Lucas via AFP/AFP via Getty Images

EuroLeague Women is an annual international basketball event held by FIBA. It features 16 of Europe’s top basketball teams from all over the continent, typically playing an extensive regular season spanning several months before competing for the EuroLeague Women Championship, which is held in a bracket format.

Why should I follow EuroLeague Women?

WNBA fans who missed watching Awak Kuier this past summer can see her compete in EuroLeague Women with Umana Reyer Venezia.
Image courtesy of EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) via X (Twitter)

An excellent question!

EuroLeague Women boasts perhaps the highest level of competition of any international women’s basketball event. Some of the best clubs in Europe compete, beginning with a preseason qualifying round that determine the final three contending teams. While there typically is a handful of teams that are clear favorites to win the competition, the level of play during the event is generally considered to be tops in Europe.

Not only is EuroLeague Women great basketball, it’s also easily accessible. From a dedicated and aesthetically pleasing FIBA website containing the league rulebook and a news section to keep you up to date to a YouTube channel that has free live streams of every EuroLeague Women game, the competition is easy to follow, even if you can’t watch the games live. Following your favorite WNBA players overseas can be a challenge, but for those competing in EuroLeague Women, video, stats and news are easily attainable.

Who competes in EuroLeague Women?

Here is the list of the teams competing in the 2024-25 EuroLeague Women season, along with players WNBA and American basketball fans may be familiar with (per the official FIBA website). Keep in mind that midseason acquisitions and transfers are common, and that this list is by no means final; also note that the competition will be moving from a two-group system to a four-group system for the 2024-25 season.

Group A

Beretta Famila Schio (Italy) — Kitija Laksa, Jasmine Keys, Janelle Salaün

Basket Landes (France) — Destiny Slocum, Leïla Lacan

DVTK HUN-Therm Miskolc (Hungary) — Kaila Charles, Aleksa Gulbe

Perfumerias Avenida (Spain) — Arella Guirantes, Sika Koné, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Arica Carter

Group B

Tango Bourges Basket (France) — Amy Okonkwo, Morgan Green, Kariata Diaby

Žabiny Brno (Czech Republic) — Elissa Cunane

Olympiacos B.C. (Greece) — Kyra Lambert, Rebecca Tobin

CBK Mersin (Turkey) — Marine Johannès, Natasha Howard, Karlie Samuelson, Yvonne Anderson, Iliana Rupert, Marine Fauthoux, Regan Magarity

Group C

Villeneuve-d’Ascq LM (France) — Shavonte Zellous, Kelsey Bone, Carla Leite, Maïa Hirsch

Casademont Zaragoza (Spain) — Markeisha Gatling, Helena Pueyo, Tanaya Atkinson, Stephanie Mawuli

KGHM BC Polkowice (Poland) — Alexis Peterson, Amanda Zahui B., Rennia Davis, Emma Cannon

Fenerbahçe Opet (Turkey) — Ariel Atkins, Emma Meesseman, Tina Charles, Gabby Williams, Julie Allemand, Nikolina Milic, Sevgi Uzun

Group D

Valencia Basket Club (Spain) — Alina Iagupova, Stephanie Mavunga, Kayla Alexander, Yvonne Turner, Raquel Carrera, Leticia Romero, Alba Torrens

UNI Győr (Hungary) — Cyesha Goree

Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy) — Awak Kuier, Lorela Cubaj, Kamiah Smalls

ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Republic) — Ezi Magbegor, Brionna Jones, Isabelle Harrison, Maite Cazorla, Valeriane Ayayi, Maria Conde, Emese Hof

How do I watch EuroLeague Women?

All EuroLeague Women games will be streamed for free on FIBA’s EuroLeague Women YouTube channel. The games will be archived in case you miss them. FIBA also usually posts highlights of the games on the channel, as does the league’s X/Twitter account.

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Now not AI : PLL Semifinals and Ultimate Glance Forward 

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Now not AI : PLL Semifinals and Ultimate Glance Forward 

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On the same day, one of the best games in PLL history was played, it was immediately followed by one of the worst. 

Maryland needed seven minutes of sudden death overtime to get past New York 12-11. And then Utah squashed Carolina like a bug 10-1. 

Notable was the playoff overtime because unlike college games, PLL overtime features no team or coach called timeouts – it’s continuous play decided by the players. The Whips and Atlas played seven minutes of golden goal action uninterrupted by stoppages.  

Tension filled, hold your breath, stressful, edge of seat, riveting – any way you slice it, the overtime was heart stopping. Goalies Brendan Krebs and Liam Entenmann, alums of nearby Chaminade HS, each made stops in extra time. NY midfielder Jake Stevens hit a pipe. His teammate and league MVP Jeff Teat sailed a scoring chance wide. After seven minutes, big lefty and still a rookie, Levi Anderson swam past a shorty on the left wing and beat Entenmann from close range. (Anderson uses his right hand to push the defender while swimming with the ball in his left hand and is sitting on a warding call the next time he uses this move. It’s so fast that refs don’t see it. They saw it in slow motion to conclude the semifinal and will be less clueless next time.)

This overtime was unforgettable. I could barely breathe. In college, sudden victory is defined by timeouts, getting possession and calling timeout. It’s a stand around and talk strategy period, which lacks excitement. I televised a seven-overtime marathon between Maryland and Virginia that featured 14 timeouts. Feels like the game is taken from the players and controlled by the coaches. In the pro game, the coaches are taken out of the equation. The players decide the game. Who can operate under pressure? 

Maryland never led until it was over and won 12-11 behind 17 saves from Brendan Krebs and offensive production from Colin Heacock, Levi Anderson, TJ Malone and Matt Rambo. Coach Jim Stagnitta and his crew have won six straight dating back to the San Diego weekend on July 28.  

Unforgettable…and then forgettable. 

Game two featured Utah suffocating Carolina 10-1 in the best statistical defensive performance in PLL history, regular or post season included. Or was it the worst offensive performance in league history? Hyperbole aside, this game fell somewhere in between. Carolina’s offense has been anemic all summer, unable to pass. So, when they fell behind 3-0 and 4-0, this baby was over. 

Utah goalie Brett Dobson’s save percentage was 94.7%, while making 18 stops. That’s historically significant, but masks the offensive incompetency of the Chaos, who hit an all-time low. 

Utah is back in the final looking for a repeat. The Archers won both games of their Week 11 homecoming in Salt Lake, earning first place in the Western conference and securing a first-round bye. They now move forward to Philadelphia without their ace, Tom Schreiber who was relegated to a Tom Brady broadcast roll, joining the booth in the second quarter of the semifinal. 

What’s next?

Archers are a 1.5 goal favorite with a 23.5 goal total. It’s really a pick ‘em with Utah (-120) and Maryland (-110). The game will be played on grass which is refreshing for those of us who detest the plastic pellets. Party cloudy with a high of 86 degrees would signal optimal conditions. 

Does Utah put lockdown defender Graeme Hossack on lefty Matt Rambo or catalyst TJ Malone? Malone, the prevailing rookie of the year choice, uses two-man games at X creating shots for the Whips. He has nine points in the playoffs and that’s where I’d deploy Hossack. MD Midfielder Ryan Conrad inverts with success – if you don’t pole him, you’ll deal with a steady dose of inverts. Poling Conrad leaves shorts on Levi Anderson, Colin Heacock and Adam Poitras. This is why the Whips are scoring goals in August and September. 

Without Schreiber, Utah leans on Connor Fields and Grant Ament creating off the dodge with Mac Okeefe and Tre LeClair hovering for step downs. They both possess uncommon heat. Maryland’s D-man Matt Dunn will probably draw the Fields defensive assignment. Marking Ament is critical. 

The rosters are littered with future Hall-of-Famers and college superstars. Goalie Brett Dobson, FOGO Mike Sisselberger, Mike Chanenchuk, Ajax Zappitello, Zed Williams, and FOGO Joe Nardella. The cast is loaded. Talent is overflowing in this PLL Championship game. Obsession always beats talent. These finalists have both. 

If you’re a fan of the Maryland terrapins, you’re all in behind the whip snakes and if you’re a Maryland hater, then you’re pulling for Utah. If you play high school or college lacrosse you should be having a watch party for the Championship. If you live within an hour drive of Chester, PA you need to get to the game in person. There is too much good stuff going on to ignore. 

The PLL Championship can be seen live on Sunday September 15 at 3pm on ABC from Subaru Park in Chester, PA. This is a world class venue for lacrosse, not a bad seat in the house. Please come out and support the sport. Drew Carter, Paul Carcaterra, Ryan Boyle and I will be working the game. I’ll be in Austin, Tx on Saturday for college football and hope the travel gods get me to Chester on time. 



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New York Liberty set to fight Lynx in 2024 WNBA Finals

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New York Liberty set to fight Lynx in 2024 WNBA Finals

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In a battle between the top two regular-season finishers, the Minnesota Lynx will travel to Brooklyn to play the New York Liberty in the first game of the best-of-five 2024 WNBA Finals on Thursday.

Former UConn teammates and 2024 Olympic gold medalists Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier headline the matchup. Stewart’s top-seeded Liberty will look to earn their first-ever WNBA title in their sixth Finals appearance.

Collier and the new-look Lynx are bringing a former dynasty back to the biggest stage, in the team’s first finals appearance since their 2017 championship.

Superstars like Jonquel Jones lead the Liberty, while Courtney Willams and other underdogs fuel the Lynx. (Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

The road to the 2024 WNBA Finals

After topping the league in the regular season with a 32-8 record, New York put the No. 8-seed Atlanta Dream’s season to bed in the first playoff round. To reach the 2024 Finals, the Liberty avenged their 2023 championship series, ousting Las Vegas and ending the two-time defending champs’ three-peat chase in four semifinal games.

As for the Lynx, Minnesota claimed second in the regular season standings, just two wins shy of matching New York’s record. They sent the Phoenix Mercury packing by sweeping the first round, but needed all five semifinal games to outlast the Connecticut Sun and book their seventh trip to Finals.

Liberty’s title mission meets Lynx’s underdogs

The Liberty and Lynx aren’t just the league’s top teams. They led the East and West Conferences, respectively, and boast the WNBA’s top offense (New York) and second-best defense (Minnesota).

That said, the 2024 WNBA Finals will pit a superstar-laden Liberty squad against a Minnesota team that few thought would even make the postseason when play began this year.

Alongside two-time MVP Stewart, New York’s squad includes 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones, sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu, and a frighteningly deep bench.

On the other hand, only five players, including 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Collier, returned from Minnesota’s 2023 team. Lynx boss Cheryl Reeve, the 2024 Coach of the Year, added key athletes to Minnesota’s originally slim roster, including three — Courtney Williams, Bridget Carleton, and Alanna Smith — who were cut from various other WNBA teams in 2021 or 2022. All have made significant contributions as the Lynx proved early season expectations wrong.

“We didn’t scare anybody,” Reeve said after winning Tuesday’s Game 5. “I’m not sure that anybody at any point in the season was like, ‘Yeah, they have a real shot at winning a championship’ other than the people that are in our corner. And I think we’re continuing to have to make believers.”

The Lynx and Liberty tip off in the 2024 Commissioners Cup final.
Either the Liberty or Lynx will make history in the 2024 WNBA Finals. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

An historic WNBA Finals on deck

Entering the Finals, sports books heavily favor the Liberty, but the Lynx actually hold a 3-1 record against New York in 2024. That edge includes Minnesota’s 94-89 victory over the Liberty in June 25th’s Commissioners Cup final.

No matter who walks away with the 2024 championship, WNBA history will be made. Either the Liberty will claim their first title, or Minnesota will become the first franchise to win five championships. The Lynx are currently tied at four titles with the Seattle Storm and the folded Houston Comets.

How to watch the Lynx vs. the Liberty in Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals

The Lynx and Liberty will tip off at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center at 8 PM ET on Thursday, with live broadcast and streaming coverage on ESPN.



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Brett Dobson: The Absolute best Goalie within the Global

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Brett Dobson: The Absolute best Goalie within the Global

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The Premier Lacrosse League supports eight teams, meaning there are only eight starting positions for goaltenders. Any netminder in the PLL is already in the global stage’s upper echelon of elite goaltenders. When it finally came time for Brett Dobson to take center stage the competition was fierce. Blaze Riorden and Dillon Ward very easily held the titles of the best in the world. Despite the odds, Dobson has quickly established himself, and his growing plethora of rings with the Utah Archers is starting to do the talking for itself. His path from a promising college player to being considered the best goalie in the world is dictated not just by skill, but by mastery of the statistics that define greatness at his position.

It was his collegiate career at St. Bonaventure University that laid the bedrock for Dobson’s professional rise. During his four years in the college, he logged totals that were impressive, especially during his senior season with a .665 save percentage. It wasn’t all about the reflexes or athleticism; it was an acute understanding of the game-one where his goals against average continued to fall year after year, showcasing an ability to adapt and improve. Come senior year, Dobson was adept at making that critical save, a skill which translated into the PLL perfectly.

Dobson’s statistical dominance became even more pronounced once he got his chance to start for the Archers. This past regular season, he took front among all goalies in total saves with 147 combined with a save percentage of 57.2%. Those would already be great numbers on their own, but the underlying context is better. With some of the league’s most dangerous offenses in front of him, Dobson posted an SAA of 11.8, incredibly impressive when taking into consideration the talent of PLL offenses. This combination of high save volume and efficiency placed him atop the rankings for league goaltenders. While it may not earned him Goalie of the Year, Dobson had the playoffs to show the world why he is the best of the best.

It was his playoff performance where Brett Dobson truly made his mark. When he faced high-pressure situations, his game reached an unprecedented level. His playoff save percentage soared to an amazing 79.5%, almost an unbelievable figure given both the caliber of competition and the desperation of playoffs. He allowed an average of only 4.5 scores during playoffs, which was the lowest for all goalies, proving his ability to perform under the most extreme pressure. These stats not only show his technical skill but also a glimpse of his mental fortitude and composure.

It was a new standard for goalies set by his consistency and tendency to make the saves when they mattered most. Though Blaze Riorden had been a dominant force up until recently and still would be regarded as one of the best goalies, Dobson’s stats and on field success lately have started to weigh the scales a bit more in his direction. While Riorden’s 59.4% save percentage this season is superb, no doubt, Dobson’s playoff save percentage of 79.5% proved that he is currently on another level. Not only does he make the saves, but he does it in such incredible regularity that the performances that other goalies would think are out of this world, he makes his normal.

But there’s so much more to Dobson beyond that. How important he is to his team was evidenced by the fact that he has now secured two back-to-back PLL titles with the Utah Archers. With each title, the case against Dobson being the best in the world gets a little weaker. His rings are starting to speak louder than the numbers alone, underscoring a career that’s quickly building a legacy of its own.

Through a combination of both regular season and playoff statistics, culminating his leadership of the Archers through back-to-back championships, Brett Dobson has attained the title of best goaltender in the world, at least in my eyes.

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No. 2 Minnesota Lynx defeat No. 3 Connecticut Solar in Recreation 5, will face No. 1 NY Liberty in WNBA Finals

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No. 2 Minnesota Lynx defeat No. 3 Connecticut Solar in Recreation 5, will face No. 1 NY Liberty in WNBA Finals

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The GIST: Nine stellar semis games later, the WNBA Finals matchup is finally set — the No. 1 NY Liberty will face the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx for that shiny Tiffany & Co. Championship Trophy. Here’s how the Lynx clinched their spot and what to expect when the Finals tip off tomorrow.

Napheesa Collier leads Lynx to 88–77 Game 5 win over No. 3 Connecticut Sun: The Lynx had this one on lock from the first quarter. Collier was a force, scoring a game-high 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. But she didn’t do it alone: teammate Courtney Williams was a perfect six-for-six in the first half, finishing with 24 points.

  • Meanwhile, despite a strong defensive push in the fourth quarter, the sun has set on Connecticut’s stellar season — and perhaps their title chances with this talented squad.
  • Stars Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones are all unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason, making last night’s loss quite possibly the last time this starting lineup plays together. Say it isn’t so.

The Finals begin in New York tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET: The Libs and Lynx met three times in the regular season and the Lynx won two of those contests, meaning they ’re the only squad to notch multiple victories over NY. Perhaps most importantly, these powerhouses also faced off in June’s Commissioner’s Cup Final, which Minnesota also won.

  • Minny certainly has a knack for stifling the Liberty this season, but NY has more recent Finals experience. The Libs will be out to avenge last year’s championship loss, while the Lynx are making their first Finals appearance since 2017, when now retired legends Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles were running the show.
  • As for the Liberty, NY is counting on this season’s breakout star, Sabrina Ionescu, to continue her dominance and work in tandem with her partner-in-dimes Jonquel Jones and two-time MVP Breanna Stewart. Let the games begin.



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WNBA: Will Betnijah Laney-Hamilton step up for NY Liberty in Finals?

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WNBA: Will Betnijah Laney-Hamilton step up for NY Liberty in Finals?

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Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has embodied New York City toughness, swag and spirit from the moment she first donned a New York Liberty jersey. That’s probably because NYC was a second home to her growing up. The Fulton Mall, Coney Island, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Broadway. Because her great aunt lived in Brooklyn, these places comprised the settings of the Delaware native’s childhood adventures in the Big Apple during holiday breaks and summers.

Laney-Hamilton would go on to attend Rutgers University, under one hour southwest of NYC, and was more than happy to call the area home again in 2021 when she signed with the Liberty.

In 2021, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (left) and Sabrina Ionescu (center) were thought to be the future of the Liberty. In 2023, more stars came flooding in.
Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images

At that point, she was coming off a Most Improved Player award-winning season in which she averaged 17.2 points per game for the Atlanta Dream, so Liberty fans were excited to have her. And she didn’t disappoint, becoming the best player on a team that also featured former All-Star Natasha Howard and 2020 No. 1 draft pick Sabrina Ionescu. She made the All-Star Game and scored 25 points in an opening-round playoff contest that saw New York nearly defeat the eventual Finals runner-up Phoenix Mercury.

Observers could tell that Laney-Hamilton put the city on her back in 2021 and embodied its vibe. She was a New York hero and fan favorite, and still is, though her status is no longer talked about as much, as it has been blurred by all the other talent the Liberty have since added: two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, MVP Jonquel Jones and arguably the greatest passer in league history in Courtney Vandersloot.

New York Liberty v Phoenix Mercury - Game One

Laney-Hamilton as seen playing her heart out in the Liberty’s lone 2021 playoff game.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

On the 2024 team that is headed to its second-straight WNBA Finals, Laney-Hamilton is the second-longest tenured Liberty, behind only Ionescu. Some of the individual storylines entering the Finals are: Can Stewart add to her GOAT case with a third championship and first with her new, home-state team after being the most coveted free agent ever? Can Ionescu fulfill her draft hype with her first college or pro title after coming close at Oregon?Can Jones finally win a championship after losing a competitive Finals in 2019 and another in 2022, both with the Connecticut Sun?

Yet, Laney-Hamilton potentially winning a title for a city and a fan base that she has meant so much to and that have meant so much to her is a compelling plot to follow as well.

Laney-Hamilton has been at her best when it matters most

WNBA Draftees at Empire State Building

Laney-Hamilton is all about New York.
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

But, as compelling as it is, Laney-Hamilton has been playing far below her standard in the 2024 playoffs.

She scored 10 points in Game 1 of the first round against the Dream, but it’s been all single digits since. She’s shooting 29.2 percent from the field and 15 percent from 3, and is averaging just six points per game (sixth on the team). She hit a new low in New York’s semifinal series-clinching win Sunday afternoon with just two points on 1-for-7 shooting, including 0-for-2 from downtown.

By comparison, Laney-Hamilton was the Liberty’s fourth-leading scorer in the regular season at 11.8 points per contest. She shot 45.6 percent from the field and a phenomenal 40.2 percent from deep with 1.5 treys per outing. Her plus/minus average in the regular season was a league-leading and career-best 9.7, but is now 0.2 in the playoffs, easily the lowest among the New York starters.

2024 WNBA Playoffs - Las Vegas Aces v New York Liberty

Laney-Hamilton’s shot in Game 2 of the 2024 semifinals is defended by the Aces’ Jackie Young.
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Laney-Hamilton put up the numbers we’d expect from a star in the regular season, with her scoring average understandably being on the low side given the amazing offensive talent that surrounds her. She delivered in the 2023 regular season as well, with 12.8 points per game during the first season of New York’s super team experiment. And in the past, she has delivered in the postseason.

In 14 playoff games with the Liberty prior to this season, she only had two duds in the scoring column; the rest were double-digit outings. Of the 12 double-digit performances, only one featured a sub-44.4 percent effort from the field (it was 26.7 percent on 4-for-15 shooting). Save for one pre-Liberty playoff game in 2015 in which she played just two minutes with zero points, Laney-Hamilton was averaging 15.1 points per game in the playoffs entering 2024. She was shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc. All much better than her 2024 numbers, and pretty dang good for anyone.

In the 2023 playoffs, which is the best comparison to this year given her similar role on a super team, she scored 19 points in both first-round games against the Washington Mystics while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3 with four makes. She went on to average 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and four assists over the final three of four semifinal games, including 52.3 percent shooting from the field and 52.6 percent shooting from downtown with 10 makes. In her first Finals, she cooled off to 45.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep, but scored in double figures in all four contests, including dropping 15 in Game 4 to go along with four dimes.

Can Laney-Hamilton (who underwent a minor knee surgery in July, missing 12 regular-season games before and after the procedure) regain her playoff prowess in the 2024 Finals? Do the Liberty even need her to?

Can Queen B help NY win the crown?

This postseason, Leonie Fiebich has replaced Laney-Hamilton as the team’s fourth-leading scorer, averaging 10.5 points per game and shooting an incredible 59.1 percent from 3 with 2.2 makes per game. Fiebich’s plus/minus average is a team-best 12.5. She is the x-factor driving New York’s success. With her performing the way she is, and with Stewart and Ionescu hovering around 20 points per game and Jones averaging close to a double-double in points and rebounds, the Liberty have won three games comfortably, won two close ones and suffered just one loss. And they just conquered a Las Vegas Aces team that was the most talented and battle-tested in the league. Perhaps the Finals against the Minnesota Lynx will be an easier task, and perhaps New York can win without Laney-Hamilton improving her play.

New York Liberty v Las Vegas Aces

Leonie Fiebich: the Liberty’s X-factor.
Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images

However, just because the Aces are more formidable in many respects, doesn’t mean that Minnesota won’t give the Liberty more of a battle than Vegas did—underdogs sometimes thrive in the big moments. And Fiebich is likely to cool off at some point, while Ionsecu could suffer another four-point night like she did in New York’s Game 3 loss to the Aces. In that scenario, Laney-Hamilton surely would like to put forth a better showing than seven points on 2-for-8 shooting to pick up the slack for a struggling teammate. Not to mention the fact that Jones has gotten herself into foul trouble two games in a row and the Liberty may need Queen B to step up for that reason.

We shall see if Laney-Hamilton, the ride-or-die hero who scrapped for the Liberty when they were a No. 8 and No. 7 seed in 2021 and 2022, respectively, will be a key factor in the 2024 Finals. If she is and it contributes to the Liberty winning their first championship, it will certainly mean a lot to the kid who formed lasting family memories walking along the boardwalk at Coney Island, in the same New York borough the Liberty now call home.

It will mean she, her teammates and Alicia Keys can keep on singing, “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of / There’s nothing you can’t do / Now you’re in New York!”

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The Maryland Whipsnakes Will Go back in 2025

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The Maryland Whipsnakes Will Go back in 2025

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The Maryland Whipsnakes Will Return in 2025

The Maryland Whipsnakes might have ended their 2024 season with a tough loss to the Archers in the PLL Championship game, but Whipsnake faithfuls have a lot to look forward to. The team is turning the page on their roster of the past and relying on many new faces to build the Whipsnakes up for years to come. This shift in direction is very similar to what the Archers did two years ago and that very clearly has worked out for them.

You could argue that the Whipsnakes are the most historic team in PLL history, despite the league’s short existence. As one of the original six franchises when the league launched in 2019, the Whips quickly made a name for themselves by winning the first two championships in 2019 and 2020, and reaching the championship game in 2021. Those first two championships carried a ton of weight, but the team hit a wall in 2023, finishing with a disappointing 4-6 record. This did not discourage Jim Stagnitta, who picked up Ajax Zappitello and TJ Malone with his first two selections in the 2024 PLL Draft.

Stagnitta has proven to be consistently the best coach in the PLL, especially when it comes to adapting his teams when needed. Outside of that 2023 season, he’s done a masterful job constructing rosters and adjusting game plans on the fly. You could see that again this past season, as the team started off on rocky footing with some ugly losses. Stagnitta made a smart mid-season move, acquiring Levi Anderson from the California Redwoods in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. Levi proved to add some much-needed depth to the Whipsnakes roster.

Now, let’s look ahead to next season. It’s early to make predictions, but there’s a lot to like about this Whipsnakes team. First off, this team now revolves around TJ Malone. Without a doubt, he was the steal of the draft. The 2024 Rookie of the Year turned heads this season, notching 37 points on the year—not bad for a rookie. But he won’t be doing it alone next year; Tucker Dordevic will be back after sitting out this past season due to injury. The 2023 Rookie of the Year and All-Star brings some much-needed help to the midfield and will be a fun watch alongside Malone. The identity of this team has shifted away from Rambo and Williams, and now it sits on Malone and Dordevic. It’s not that Rambo and Williams won’t contribute; the weight is just off their shoulders, so they can now play a more supportive role instead of carrying the offense.

That’s just the offense as the defensive unit is looking solid too. A close defense lineup featuring Ajax Zappitello, Tim Muller, and Matt Dunn boasts a Terrapin connection that no other team has. Nardella has been one of the most consistent faceoff specialists in the league and shows no sign of slowing down. But perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle will be Brendan Krebs, who will only improve with another year under his belt between the pipes. This team has all the pieces to make a run at the championship next year, and any additions in the draft will just be adding to an already potent arsenal. Unlike some other teams in the PLL, the Whipsnakes don’t have any glaring holes to fill, especially once Dordevic returns.

All eyes should be on the Whipsnakes heading into 2025. With a reloaded roster, a top-tier coach in Stagnitta, and a blend of fresh talent and experienced leadership, they’re poised to make a serious push for the top of the Eastern Conference. This squad has the potential to be a powerhouse for years to come.

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Lynx Combat Solar in Win-or-Cross-House Sport 5

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Lynx Combat Solar in Win-or-Cross-House Sport 5

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Sunday’s WNBA semifinals action saw top-seeded New York end back-to-back defending champion Las Vegas’s season while the Connecticut Sun staved off elimination to force a deciding Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx.

Sunday’s Game 4 eliminated the two-time defending champion Aces. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

New York ends Aces’ WNBA three-peat campaign

The Liberty claimed a second-straight trip to the WNBA Finals with Sunday’s 76-62 victory​ over the Aces, ending to the defending champs’ three-peat dream in four semifinal matchups.

After being held to just four points in Game 3, Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 22 points. Teammate Breanna Stewart was just behind with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double.

Though New York led nearly wire-to-wire, Las Vegas kept Game 4 within reach, thanks in large part to three-time MVP A’ja Wilson’s 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. The Aces trailed by just two points after three quarters, but a 16-2 fourth-quarter Liberty run ultimately earned them the win.

“They’ve been the best team all year — let’s be real,” Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon said about New York after the game. “Their group earned it. They earned it all year.”

The Liberty huddle up during Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals
The Liberty will hunt a franchise-first WNBA championship in the 2024 Finals. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Having walked away disappointed last season, New York — the only original franchise still playing without a title — knows that nothing is guaranteed in their upcoming sixth Finals appearance.

“We haven’t done anything yet,” a fired up Ionescu said after Sunday’s win. “We’re three wins away, and that’s really important to understand. We got to come out and we got to punch because nothing has been given to us yet.”

How to watch the Liberty in the 2024 WNBA Finals

Game 1 of the best-of-five Finals tips off in Brooklyn at 8 PM ET on Thursday. Live coverage will air on ESPN.

Connecticut forces winner-take-all Game 5 against Minnesota

After Friday’s home-court loss to Minnesota, the Sun tied up their semifinal series with a come-from-behind 92-82 win on Sunday, forcing a winner-take-all Game 5.

Trailing by seven points at the break, Connecticut staged a second-half comeback. The Sun outscored the Lynx 49-32 to keep their first-ever WNBA title dream alive.

Ty Harris led Connecticut with a career-high 20 points in her post-injury return to the starting lineup. Four of her teammates also put up double-digits: Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner each had 18 points and eight rebounds, while DiJonai Carrington and Marina Mabrey added 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Minnesota's Napheesa Collier dribbles around Connecticut's Alyssa Thomas
Napheesa Collier led the Lynx in scoring in Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA semis. (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

2024 Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, who led the Lynx with a 29-point, 13-rebound double-double, said her team needs to step it up when the series moves back to Minnesota on Tuesday.

“We have to go home and defend our home court. We’re both playing for our lives, so we have to play with that level of intensity,” Collier said after the loss.

How to watch Sun vs. Lynx in Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA semifinals

The Sun and Lynx will tip off Game 5 in Minneapolis at 8 PM ET on Tuesday. Live coverage will air on ESPN2.



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