Charlotte Sting Weekly Update
August 1, 2005 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Charlotte Sting News Release
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Team Leaders
Date Opp. Result Pts. Rebs. Asts.
7/26 @ SAC L, 54-64 Smith-19 Smith-10 Staley-7
The Sting started the game strong connecting on seven of their first nine shots to build their lead to nine points early in the contest. Charlotte's efficiency on the offensive end did not continue, however, as they committed six turnovers and did not connect on a field goal in the final 9:06 of the half. Sacramento took advantage going on a 14-0 run to take a five-point lead at halftime. Sacramento opened the second stanza with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 12. Charlotte fought to pull within four but could not get any closer as they connected on only one field goal and committed four turnovers in the final 5:45. Tangela Smith posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in her return to Sacramento while Sheri Sam added 17 for the Sting. Yolanda Griffith posted 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead Sacramento while Nicole Powell chipped in 15.
Team Leaders
Date Opp. Result Pts. Rebs. Asts.
7/29 @ SEA L, 68-79 Perkins-21 McCarville-7 Perkins-5 Staley-5
Four players scored in double figures for the Sting but Charlotte couldn't find the answer for Janell Burse and Lauren Jackson, who combined for 48 points in the Storm's 79-68 victory. After two early field goals from Jia Perkins, the Sting struggled without a field goal over a 7:33 stretch in the first half. Seattle seized the opportunity going on a 12-2 run. Down by 10 at halftime, the Sting pulled to within four with 13:35 remaining in the contest. However, they could get no closer as Seattle responded with a 9-2 run. Jia Perkins tied her career-high with 21 points to garner scoring honors for Charlotte.
STING NEWS AND NOTES
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
The Sting will host Back to School Night on Saturday, August 6 as they face the Detroit Shock. The first 2,500 fans will receive Sting backpacks courtesy of Staples and Shoe Show. A special guest from Disney will also make an appearance to help promote the importance of reading.
THIRSTY THURSDAY
Fans can take advantage of half-priced beer specials throughout the Charlotte Coliseum on Thursday, August 4 as the Sting host the Sacramento Monarchs. In addition, fans can log onto charlottesting.com to obtain an exclusive on-line $5 ticket offer.
PERKINS HITS CAREER MARK
In the second start of her WNBA career, guard Jia Perkins tied her career-high with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting at Seattle on July 29. In addition, she recorded a career-best five assists in 38 minutes of play.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, August 2 - vs. Washington 8 p.m. - MCI Center
The Sting travel to Washington to face the Mystics for the final time this season. The Mystics currently hold a 3-0 advantage in the season series. The two teams first met on opening night where the Mystics handed the Sting a 60-42 loss. In the second meeting on June 26, Dawn Staley connected on a three-point play with 6.9 seconds remaining to force overtime. Washington outscored the Sting 12-7 in the extra period to come away with a 66-61 win. Two days later on June 30, the Mystics defeated the Sting 65-50 in Washington. Second-year guard Alana Beard leads the Mystics averaging 15.1 points.
Thursday, August 4 - vs. Sacramento 7 p.m. - Charlotte Coliseum
The Sting return home to face the Sacramento Monarchs on Thursday. The Monarchs, behind 20 points and 11 rebounds from Yolanda Griffith, defeated the Sting 64-54 on July 26 in Sacramento. Tangela Smith posted a double-double for the Sting with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Griffith averages 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds to help anchor the Monarchs in the paint. Nicole Powell also averages double figures with 11.0 points. The Monarchs are without leading scorer DeMya Walker (14.5 ppg) who is out with a knee injury.
Saturday, August 6 - vs. Detroit 6 p.m. - Charlotte Coliseum
The Sting take on the Shock for the second time this season. Detroit defeated the Sting 69-55 on June 10. Elaine Powell and Cheryl Ford both scored 12 to lead the Shock. Deanna Nolan leads Detroit averaging 16.1 points while Cheryl Ford averages a double-double (10.0 points, 10.1 rebounds). The Shock roster also includes WNBA All-Star Katie Smith, who was recently acquired from the Minnesota Lynx.
STING ON TV
The Sting at Washington game on August 2 will no longer be broadcast on ESPN 2. ESPN 2 will now broadcast the Detroit at Houston game at 8 p.m. ET.
WJZY UPN-46 will broadcast the Sting's season finale against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, August 27 at 6 p.m.
FAMILIAR FACES
Several familiar faces will return to the Charlotte Coliseum this week as the Sting face the Monarchs and the Shock. The Monarchs roster includes three players who spent time in Charlotte. Nicole Powell and Olympia Scott-Richardson were members of the Sting roster last season while Erin Buescher spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons playing with the Sting. Detroit's roster includes Andrea Stinson, who spent eight seasons playing for the Sting. Stinson has missed the last three games with a left knee strain and was placed on the Injured List on July 24.
SAM GETTING HER GROOVE BACK
After going through an eight-game stretch where she averaged 5.6 points per game, Sheri Sam has found her groove again averaging 13.0 points in the last three games.
KEY WNBA DATES
August 1 - Trading Deadline
OVER THE AIRWAVES
All 34 regular season games can be heard live on WNMX 106.1 FM. Veteran announcer Sam Smith calls all the action for the third consecutive season.
STING TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets at the Charlotte Coliseum ticket office, any Ticketmaster location, by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or by logging onto www.charlottesting.com. All seats are located in the lower bowl and start as low as $10.
BOBCATS ANNOUNCE 2005 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The Charlotte Bobcats recently announced their 2005 preseason schedule. The eight-game schedule begins on October 12 in Birmingham, Alabama, as the Bobcats face the Atlanta Hawks. The schedule features three games at the Charlotte Coliseum, including the second-annual Cool School Field Trip on October 17 at 10 a.m. For more information on the Bobcats, please log on to www.BobcatsBasketball.com.
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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from August 1, 2005
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- Janell Burse of the Seattle Storm Named WNBA Player of the Week - WNBA
- Detroit Shock Weekly Update - Detroit Shock
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