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.

UCLA Bruins forward Janiah Barker (0) shoots against LSU Lady Tigers forward Sa'Myah Smith (5) during the first half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena.

Janiah Barker is the X-Factor for UCLA

April 2, 2025

The junior wing has added a different look to the Bruins

UCLA forward Timea Gardiner talks to her teammates in the huddle during a game.

Depth powers UCLA Final Four run

March 30, 2025

The Bruins showcased their ability to withstand a off-game from their star

USC Trojans guard Kennedy Smith shoots the basketball over a defender

Freshmen power USC to Elite Eight without JuJu Watkins

March 30, 2025

Trojans freshmen shined on the national stage

USC's Kennedy Smith runs with UCLA's Kiki Rice as Rice dribbles the ball with her left hand. Rice has her right elbow up as Smith stays on her right hip.

Why Kennedy Smith is such a versatile threat for USC

March 29, 2025

The Trojans wing has been among the most impactful freshmen in the country

Lauren Betts (51) has been the leading scorer and rebounder for UCLA during the 2024-25 season.

How Lauren Betts became a championship-level player for UCLA

March 29, 2025

McPhee-McCuin: ‘She is everything as advertised’

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talks to her team in a huddle.

USC rallies for JuJu Watkins in emotional final night at Galen Center

March 25, 2025

Gottlieb: ‘I think we showed what kind of team we are’

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talks to her team in a huddle.

Big Ten Tournament notebook Day 3: USC and UCLA debut

March 8, 2025

Plus, No. 5 seed Michigan crashes the semifinal party

Nebraska's Britt Prince dribbles the ball against Chattanooga.

Big Ten Tournament Day 2 notebook: Upsets all around

March 7, 2025

‘The competitiveness is unreal’

University of Washington players celebrate as they walk back to the bench against Wisconsin on January 7, 2025 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.

Big Ten Tournament notebook Day 1: Higher seeds advance

March 6, 2025

Washington, Iowa and Nebraska all advance to play again on Thursday

Minnesota forward Mallory Heyer holds the ball near her left hip with two hands and looks to make a move.

How Mallory Heyer has helped Minnesota take a step forward this season

March 3, 2025

Heyer is part of a recruiting class that stuck with Minnesota through a coaching change, and it’s paying off