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.

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

The Next presents: An Oakland WNBA expansion draft simulation (Part 1 of 2)

August 27, 2021

Our beat reporters set which players are off-limits

Sparks ‘showing a lot of resolve’ as road test looms

August 21, 2021

‘We’re definitely going to have to take this grit on the road’

The Next writers weigh in on Seattle Storm WNBA trade deadline options, potential deals

August 20, 2021

A closer look at what the Storm could consider doing, and suggested return

Amanda Zahui B. (Screenshot via WNBA Content Network)

How the Sparks found a winning formula in return to Staples Center

August 17, 2021

Sparks pull out a win in return to Staples Center.

Lauren Cox embraces her opportunity with the Sparks

August 13, 2021

On June 27, the Fever announced that they had cut Cox

USC basketball looks to young players for improvement

August 6, 2021

Jordyn Jenkins and Madison Campbell should be ready to make a big impact

Sparks make roster moves before the season resumes

August 4, 2021

The absence of Vadeeva likely signals an increasing role for Lauren Cox