Mystics/Liberty Midday Scrimmage
Coincidentally, the BasketCases (and several dozen other fans) had dental emergencies around 11am today and thus simply had to leave our offices . . . So while we were out, we also headed over to Trinity University, where, lo and behold, the Mystics were scrimmaging against the Liberty. This was our first look at the 2007 Mystics and Mystics-hopefuls, and of course our first look at Shay Doron in a WNBA game (even if it didn't really count).
New York Head Coach Patty Coyle, Mystics President Sheila Johnson, and Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese. The Terps' coaching staff was out in force to see Shay, including newcomers Daron Park and Diane Richardson.
Ready to rumble.
You needed a roster to tell who all the newcomers were, but some of them weren't even listed there! We do know that's second round pick and famous WNBA blogger Megan Vogel seated on the far right.
Coco Miller comes back fit and ready to play, season after season.
Shay and her new teammates. Shay did get in the game and hit a few baskets. Each time she hit one, a contingent of Mystics fans, including (of course) the BasketCases, gave her the traditional Maryland shout out: "Shay ! Shay ! Shay!" The first time this happened, Coach Frese looked over and broke out into a big smile. After the game, Alana Beard gave us grief over this: "I heard you cheering for Shay. You can't be cheering for an opponent!" (She was smiling when she said it.) 
The Mystics' Brain Trust: GM Linda Hargrove and President Sheila Johnson. As usual, the Mystics' front office and coaching staff were exceptionally accessible . . . mingling with fans, and giving us candid insights into the difficult decisions they must make in the next few days as they have to trim the roster.
Our Big Rookie and Their Big Rookie. (L) Jessica Davenport. (R) Gillian Goring.
The Mystics huddled on center court after the scrimmage, while their fans (led by Dr. Johnson) engaged in loud enthusiatic "Let's Go Mystics" cheering from the sidelines.
After the scrimmage, the refs held an officiating tutorial for the Mystics, reminding the players that anyone who makes reference on court to a certain intimate relationship between an official and his mother will be teed up, and most likely ejected. Palming the ball was also discussed.
The Mystics signed autographs after the scrimmage. Alana Beard is still injured and can't play, but she can sign!
Coco Miller, Laurie Koehn, and Tamara James waiting to sign autographs.
Utah reunion. New Maryland Assistant Coach (and former Utah Assistant) Daron Park, and New York's Erin F. Thorn (formerly of BYU). The BasketCases' first impression of Coach Park . . . a really nice guy.
Another newcomer . . . just-hired Maryland Assistant Coach Diane Richardson (formerly of Riverdale Baptist and American University). Another great person -- and we're not saying that just because she happens to be a long-time Mystics season ticketholder!
Present and future WNBA-ers.Photo Credits: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 6:13 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
So how did Liberty players not named Shay look?
In picture #1, can I trade our blonde coach for your blonde coach?
Much amused by the Park and Thorn shot. Considering the Utah-BYU rivalry, it's not a surprise that Erin looks like she's thinking I will destroy you, little man.
Loved the report- thanks for sharing!
# 5 on the Mystics is Lady (Grooms) Hardmon. She played with the Utah Starzz and Monarchs a few years ago. Now I remember her. Her name is now on the roster. In a search of her nameI found out that she may have last played in 2004
Rebecca: No, we'll keep OUR blonde coach, thank you very much. No trade! LOL!
X: We think you may have misheard # 5's name. She's actually Allyson Hardy (not Hardmon), out of Bowie State. A nice, local kid. Mystics' GM said Hardy holds some D-II records. We thought she looked pretty good out there. Too bad we can't keep everybody!
-BC
Once again I've been dupped by the Mystic's' web site. The Mystics' roster has her listed as Lady Hardmon not Allyson Hardy. How are we supposed to get it right if they can't. Oh well, the mysteries go on. Let's hope the webmaster gets the final roster correct.
How are your teeth feeling today? Mine are much better.
It was nice to meet you and chat. I like the new business cards!
I'm disappointed that I missed Shay on the court, though. At least I got to chat with her and the other Terps a bit after the game.
Oh - can I borrow the pictures of Shay with your permission for the "Shay Doron Fan Club" Facebook group? I'll include the blog address in the caption. I forgot to bring my camera to work with me in preparation for my dental emergency, and my cameraphone is not a very good camera!
karen,
nice meeting you too! And keep sending us corrections whenever we mess up. You could be like our very own stat gal...Kornheiser & Wilbon have their own stat guy on PTI...why not the BasketCases? LOL.
my teeth definitely feel better today now that my *Loose Filling* has been fixed! :-)
--BC #1
P.S. By all means, use the pix with our URL!
Liked the Utah reunion photo. Thorn was already graduated from BYU when Park joined Utah's staff. (Incidently, Park's UTES went 6-3 against BYU in his tenure. (Thorn is still associated with BYU as the director of basketball operations)
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