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.

A headshot of Lexie Brown

Sparks add Lexie Brown in sign and trade

April 1, 2022

Brown, who has been a capable bench scorer and defender, will compete in camp for a roster spot.

UCLA heads to WNIT semifinals amid some bumps in the road

March 31, 2022

The Bruins have shed light on some equity issues as they continue their WNIT run

Ilmar'I Thomas. (UCLA Athletics)

How playing in the WNIT can help UCLA build its present and future

March 19, 2022

The Bruins endured a tough year filled with injuries but are looking to make a postseason run

Amy Atwell

Amy Atwell powers Hawaii to tournament appearance

March 16, 2022

The Rainbow Wahine are back in the NCAA Tournament

Liz Cambage. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE)

Reloaded Sparks, with Carter and Cambage, ready to hit the court

February 24, 2022

With new offseason acquisitions, the Los Angeles Sparks are hoping to return to championship glory.

Liz Cambage

How the Los Angeles Sparks pulled off a whirlwind free agency

February 6, 2022

Liz Cambage, Chennedy Carter headline the Sparks’ unexpected flurry of moves

Hall of Fame Challenge

Takeaways from USC upset of No. 4 Arizona in Pac-12 home opener

January 10, 2022

An impressive win for a young team looking to establish itself

Kelli Thompson

Chronicles of the Women’s Drew League: Kelli Thompson

December 5, 2021

After returning home from playing at UNLV and overseas, Kelli Thompson is both coaching and getting buckets at the Women’s Drew League

Seimone Augustus. (Screenshot via WNBA Media Central)

Seimone Augustus wants to be the role model she never had

November 27, 2021

The WNBA legend is enjoying her transition into coaching and being a visible mentor to young basketball players

Michelle Miller

Chronicles of the Women’s Drew League: Michelle Miller

November 21, 2021

Michelle Miller was a standout at Princeton. Now, as she finishes medical school at UCLA, she can be found getting buckets at the Women’s Drew League.