Sophia's debut

[ChiBears]

Just got back from the Comets vs. Silver Stars game. I am a 9 year season ticket holder for the Comets and a die-hard fan, but I must admit, as a Lady Bears fan and fan of Sophia, I found myself actually pleased with the outcome of the game tonight, despite the Comets' loss.

Sophia had a double-double in her debut (13 pts./12 rebounds) and held one of the premier 4 players to five points. Tina Thompson has been one name bandied about as possible MVP (and I promise you, for those that don't follow the WNBA, she's THAT good!) and after opening the game with 5 quick points, she was really held in check by Sophia.

Shana Zolmann (sp?) of Tennessee also had a good game, coming off the bench and popping several threes in a row. (She really sparked the SA offense, sort of like the Microwave, Vinnie Johnson, used to do for the Pistons.)

Wecker got in a little and looked good, though she really didn't impact the game all that much. I think she is being worked back in slowly and I feel sure she will contribute more and more as the season goes on.

All in all, the Silver Stars are a young, exciting team with a good coach and I think they will be a fun team to watch this year. I've already planned a weekend trip to SA to watch them and I urge some of the Lady Bears fans to make a trip to a game sometime during the year. I think you'll find it entertaining!

ps. On the Comets' station, the announcers were giving Sophia some props and mentioned that there seemed to be a little mini-rally by some fans on Sophia's behalf down by the court after the game. Someone in the stands was wearing her pro jersey. Glad she's still getting some "love!"

[MR.WONDERFUL]

Seems like Sophia had a great game tonight. An undersized rookie holding Tina Thompson to 5 points is VERY impressive!

Keep up the good work, Sophia!!

[Kenny1oo6]

Young matched up for most of the game against 10-year veteran Tina Thompson. Thompson scored five points in the first two minutes but went scoreless after that, missing her next 10 shots.

"I tried to not to think about (Houston's) personnel and experience," Young said. "I figured if I thought about it too much, I would change the way I played."
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA052206.05D.SILVER_STARS_gamer.d005c0b.html




And it wasn't the Silver Stars' two towers — 6-8 Katie Feenstra and 6-6 Chantelle Anderson — who did the damage. They combined for only five rebounds, but rookie forward Sophia Young of Baylor hammered away for 12 rebounds to go with her 13 points.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3878865.html

[Bob_Ballew]

Great win for the Silver Stars!

Way to go Sophia!

I am planning anther trip to San Antonio for the back to back games on June 9th and 10th. Hopefully we can get a lot of Baylor fans to make the trip down for both games on Friday and Saturday. There will be one other series of back to back home games later in the season. Make plans to attend!
:cool:

[carolann]

I also went to the Comets-Silver Stars game. I honestly thought that Sophia was the one player that San Antonio needed to have on the floor at all times. What a nose for the ball and the speed and quickness to go get it. I am a much encouraged Silver Stars fan. Dan Hughes has done an excellent job in getting the right players and the team is playing smart offense and dfor the first time ever. The team played solid, disciplined defense.

Vickie Johnson was a great acquisition. I, for one, am not missing Marie Ferdinand. As far as I'm concerned, she and Shannon Johnson were just a disaster together. As talented as Marie is physically, she often frustrated me beyond belief. Having a focused, skilled, seasoned professional like VJ on the floor increases my comfort level a lot. Zolman and the SA coaching staff are a good match. Zolman came in knowing a lot about getting open and the staff is making sure the team helps, using screens and picks.

Kendra Wecker looked good. As mentioned, she is coming back from injury. I'd add that she is playing a new position - guard.

[Scamp]

Yahoo! Sports chose Sophia as San Antonio's "Top Performer" (upper right). http://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/boxscore?gid=20060521003

[Bob_Ballew]

Carolann, I am glad to see that someone else feels the way I do about Marie. As you said, she is a very talented player but I too, get very frustrated with her.

[BearLady]

Thanks for the in-person reports, chibears and carolann. I listened to the game but was hoping for reports from someone who had seen the game.

Was glad to see Sophia have a good, all around game. I noted that she would have a tough match-up when the starting lineups were given, but seems that she more than held her own.

Was also glad to see Zolman have a good outing. I kept listening for Kendra's minutes as well and hope they will increase as her knee strengthens. Plus it's good to have the additional experience and leadership that VJ brings.

[dem]

I, for one, am not missing Marie Ferdinand. As far as I'm concerned, she and Shannon Johnson were just a disaster together. As talented as Marie is physically, she often frustrated me beyond belief.


Why? (Just curious.)

[carolann]

Why did Marie drive me nuts? Defensively, she could be spectacular at times and lackluster at times. Sometimes, she seemed to be mentally absent. When she had the ball, often she would dribble around forever looking for a way to drive to the hoop and if she didn't find room to drive, she'd throw up a wild shot from the perimeter. I thought Ferdinand showed a lot of improvement when she returned last year from injury. Perhaps, she'll be even better in the context of the current team.