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.

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

Nneka Ogwumike reaches 5,000 career points mark

July 15, 2022

The bounce-back season continues for the former MVP as she achieves yet another milestone while in a Sparks jersey.

Los Angeles Sparks guards Jordin Canada (21) and Lexie Brown (4) stand next to each other during a game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on May 14, 2022. (Photo credit: Chris Poss)

Los Angeles Sparks optimistic heading into the All-Star break

July 9, 2022

After a rough start to the season, the Sparks have seemingly turned things around

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

Nneka Ogwumike is an All-Star starter for the first time

June 26, 2022

The 11-year veteran is having one of the best seasons of her career

Los Angeles Sparks big Nneka Ogwumike looks out at the court from the baseline behind the basket, as a ref stands next to her

How can Sparks turn things around?

June 21, 2022

There are a couple key issues that continue to hurt the Sparks as they try and turn their season around

Los Angeles Sparks point guard Jordin Canada dribbles up the court while looking upcourt

The Fred Williams era is underway

June 14, 2022

Fred Williams’ first game as Sparks head coach didn’t quite go as planned but there is reason for optimism going forward

Los Angeles Sparks head coach Derek Fisher stands in front of the scorer's table, looking out towards the court with his arms crossed

LA Sparks part ways with Derek Fisher

June 9, 2022

After getting off to a slow start, the Sparks decided to move on from head coach and general manager Derek Fisher

Brittney Sykes has the ball at the top of her dribble, while walking up the court

How Chennedy Carter and Brittney Sykes mesh at point guard for the Sparks

June 3, 2022

Los Angeles is getting a boost from some unexpected playmaking sources

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

2022 WNBA season preview: Los Angeles Sparks

May 3, 2022

With a reloaded roster, the Sparks head into the 2022 season with a lot of reasons for optimism

‘They’re here with purpose’: Sparks training camp gets underway

April 19, 2022

No matter what, talented players will be left off this roster

‘We like the versatility’: Sparks add Rae Burrell on busy draft night

April 13, 2022

While facing an uphill battle, the Sparks four draftees will compete for a coveted roster spot