Home Girls

Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid,
And all that glitters is gold
Only shootin stars break the mold

(lyrics by Smashmouth)

Back row, gold jersey . . . that's none other than DC's own Rebekkah Brunson in her Winter 2000 All-Met team photo. Becky, now an emerging WNBA star, is back in Washington this weekend to represent the Western Conference in Sunday's All Star Game. [Notice any other familiar faces? Hint: Back row, far right.] Marc Carig in today's Washington Post does a great job previewing Rebekkah's All Star debut.

As Carig's excellent article also points out, Becky's not the only All Star with DC connections. Becky's Sacramento Monarchs teammate, Kara Lawson, former star of the West Springfield High School Spartans, is also playing for the Western Conference. The BasketCases spent many enjoyable hours on high school bleachers across Northern Virginia (well, the bleachers part wasn't that enjoyable) watching Kara play. And now she's all grown up -- a WNBA star, an ESPN broadcaster, and about to get married! Gosh, do we feel old!

We wouldn't be surprised if Kara's resume didn't stop there -- "President Lawson" . . . kinda has a nice ring to it!

And, of course, the Mystics have their very own DC homegirl, Nikki Teasley. Though not named to the All Star roster, Nikki T will still be part of All Star Weekend, competing in the WNBA's Dribble, Dish & Swish competition that precedes Sunday's game. Come early . . . don't miss it!

Also competing in a special pre-game event is the Mystics' Laurie Koehn. Fans should be pleased that she'll be representing the host team in the WNBA's 3-Point Shootout. Who could be better?! While Laurie's not "local" in the sense of being from the DC area, she's not in Kansas anymore and there's no doubt the DC fans have adopted her as one of our own.

Speaking of players our local fans have clearly embraced . . . the Mystics' DeLisha Milton-Jones and Alana Beard will be playing in the main event, as Eastern Conference All-Stars.


Of course, where there are players playing, there are coaches coaching and five golden rings. This year, the Western Conference All Stars will be directed by Sacramento Monarchs Head Coach Jenny Boucek. Coach Boo debuted in the WNBA coaching ranks as an assistant coach with the Washington Mystics. It's been reported that Jenny leaves it to her players to select her clothing for game days. If the dress she wore at the Phone Booth when the Monarchs played the Mystics earlier this season is any indication . . . this All Star Game could be very interesting!

Photo Credits: Rebekkah Brunson: Washington Post; Kara Lawson1: Washington Post; Kara Lawson for President: SportsPageMike; Nikki Teasley: USAToday; Laurie Koehn: WNBA.com; DeLisha & Alana: USA Basketball; Jenny Boucek: Stewart Small.