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.

Jordyn Jackson. (CSUN Athletics)

20 months later, basketball is back in the Matadome

November 17, 2021

Sights and sounds from an emotional night

Meghann Henderson. (photo courtesy of CSUN Athletics)

2021-22 Big West preview

November 3, 2021

A chance at a new-look top of the conference

Erica Wheeler. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Sparks)

‘I just want the people in L.A. to be able to see me’: Erica Wheeler on tour

October 31, 2021

Sparks guard is bridging the gap between players and fans

Ilmar'I Thomas. (UCLA Athletics)

IImar’I Thomas ready to make her mark at UCLA

October 17, 2021

The star post player who scored 53 points in a game last season is set to make a big impact for the Bruins

Sparks

Sparks fall short in quest to make the playoffs

September 20, 2021

After getting the help they needed from other teams, the Sparks couldn’t finish an improbable run to the postseason

Sparks

How a win kept Sparks’ playoff hopes alive

September 17, 2021

Breaking down the stakes for this weekend’s games

Sparks

Sparks try to stay focused as playoff race winds down

September 16, 2021

With the regular season winding down, the Sparks will need a little help to get into the postseason

Sparks’ playoff hopes take a dive with loss to Connecticut

September 11, 2021

While Los Angeles is still mathematically alive in the playoff race, its most recent loss put a serious dent in that goal.

Kristi Toliver

Kristi Toliver out 2-3 weeks with a fractured finger

September 6, 2021

Toliver had been out of the lineup since initially hurting her finger on Aug 26 against the Connecticut Sun

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike dribbles with her left hand as a Connecticut Sun defender stands about an arm's length away.

Why Sparks are struggling to win on the road

September 1, 2021

Rebounding remains a major issue