Posts by David Mendez-Yapkowitz

David has been with The Next team since the High Post Hoops days when he joined the staff in 2018. He is based in Los Angeles and covers the LA Sparks, Pac-12 Conference, Big West Conference and some high school as well.

USC forward Kiki Iriafen drives to the basket against Fresno State on Dec. 10, 2024.

How USC has bounced back since Notre Dame loss

December 13, 2024

USC has rattled off five consecutive wins

Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo reaches toward a loose ball in front of her with her right hand as she's playing defense.

Defense powers Notre Dame to undefeated start

November 24, 2024

The Fighting Irish locked down USC on Saturday in their biggest test to date

UCLA freshman Kiki Rice attempts a wide-open 3-pointer.

UCLA prepared for high expectations this season

November 4, 2024

The Bruins were active again in the portal attracting high-profile transfers Janiah Barker, Charlisse Leger-Walker and Timea Gardiner

JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen talk to the media.

How JuJu Watkins, Kiki Iriafen plan to meet USC expectations

October 29, 2024

No. 3 preseason ranking doesn’t intimidate Lindsay Gottlieb’s group

UC Irvine guard Deja Lee attacks the defense during the Big West Tournament semifinals.

2024-25 Big West Conference preview

October 15, 2024

Breaking down the Big West rosters and predicting who will come out on top

Rickea Jackson sits at the podium and talks to the media at the 2024 WNBA Draft.

2024 WNBA season preview: Los Angeles Sparks

May 4, 2024

Youth movement is underway for the Sparks

Stanford's Cameron brink goes up for a shot against Oregon State's Timea Gardiner.

Sparks land talented duo with WNBA Draft lottery picks

April 16, 2024

Two new franchise cornerstones are coming to town.

Aziaha James soars in for a layup.

Confidence never wavers for Aziaha James

April 1, 2024

The junior guard buried Texas with a barrage of 3-point shots

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) passes the ball during the second half against Baylor Lady Bears guard Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (5)

JuJu Watkins’ playmaking might be her most underrated skill

March 31, 2024

The freshman star has shown herself to be an impactful playmaker.

USC guard Kayla Padilla dribbles the ball with her left hand and puts two fingers up with her right hand to direct the offense.

Kayla Padilla is the floor leader USC needed

March 30, 2024

The Penn graduate transfer has been a steadying hand all season and into the NCAA Tournament