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.

Ila Lane; UCSB

UC Santa Barbara off to a solid start

December 6, 2022

The Gauchos have thus far lived up to their early preseason ranking

Tess Amundsen

Big West weekly roundup

November 17, 2022

Some of the top storylines in the Big West from the first week of play

Jordyn Jackson, CSUN

2022-23 Big West Conference season preview

November 7, 2022

The Big West Conference will be defined this season by youth and the transfer portal

Connecticut Sun head coach Curt Miller stands in front of the scorer's table, looking out towards the court, with his arms crossed

Los Angeles Sparks get their coach in Curt Miller

October 21, 2022

Veteran WNBA coach Curt Miller will serve as the franchise’s next head coach

Kianna Smith

Kianna Smith ready to build off her rookie season

August 29, 2022

It was a season of back and forth for the rookie as she did her best adapting to the pro game

Los Angeles Sparks interim head coach Fred Williams (in purple) looks on during a game against Mike Thibault (in gray) and the Washington Mystics at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 7, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Fred Williams departs for Auburn following tough season in LA

August 19, 2022

Despite a disappointing year, Williams was able to grow as a coach and find meaning in the season

LA Sparks off-ball guard Brittney Sykes pulls the ball towards her stomach with both arms in preparation to pass

Los Angeles Sparks reflect on end of a chaotic season

August 15, 2022

‘I’m tired of losing’

LA Sparks off-ball guard Brittney Sykes pulls the ball towards her stomach with both arms in preparation to pass

After two losses in New York, where do Sparks go from here?

August 5, 2022

What needs to change against the Atlanta Dream?

Los Angeles Sparks center Liz Cambage dribbles while posting-up Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones in the low post

Inside Liz Cambage’s last days with the Los Angeles Sparks

July 27, 2022

Prized free agent signing was never able to find her groove in Los Angeles

Olivia Nelson-Ododa jumps from under the rim with the ball over her head to go up for a layup

Olivia Nelson-Ododa impressing as a rookie

July 24, 2022

The former UConn center has turned in a solid rookie season so far for the LA Sparks