Posts by Bella Munson

Bella has been a contributor for The IX Basketball since September 2023 and is the site's Seattle Storm beat reporter. She also writes for The Equalizer while completing her Journalism & Public Interest Communication degree at the University of Washington.

Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler (17) yells and flexes after a defensive play against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash. on May 23, 2025.

Erica Wheeler’s personality and defense shine in new role with Seattle Storm

June 3, 2025

Nneka Ogwumike: ‘She is very much like a ball of confetti, and we love that’

Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Storm from the bench during the first half at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on May 19, 2025.

Dominique Malonga’s measured and undemanding intro to the WNBA

June 1, 2025

Long-term expectations remain high despite strategic lighter minutes

Storm players Li Yueru (28), Zia Cooke (7), Nneka Ogwumike (3) and Alysha Clark (32) walk on the court in a game against the Phoenix Mercury on May 17, 2025 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.

What went wrong in the Seattle Storm’s season opener

May 19, 2025

Players share immense disappointment in performance with few bright spots but commit to getting better from it

Seattle Storm guards Alysha Clark and Skylar Diggins huddle with center Li Yueru and other teammates during a preseason game against the Connecticut Sun on May 4, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash.

2025 WNBA season preview: Seattle Storm

May 8, 2025

Uncertainty and possibility abound with a reworked roster

Dominique Malonga poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick to the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York, New York on April 14, 2025.

Seattle Storm 2025 Draft class led by French phenom

April 16, 2025

The No. 2 overall pick has the potential to be an all-time great player, and third-round picks have (slim) chances to make the roster

South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao and foward Sania Feagin smile during player introductions before the national championship game against UConn at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on April 6, 2025.

South Carolina seniors ready to make their mark in the WNBA

April 9, 2025

Dawn Staley: ‘They are the epitome of who we need to be successful’

UCLA center Lauren Betts walks off the floor during a Final Four game. She looks down at the court. Fans and the Final Four's "Four It All" slogan are visible but out of focus in the background.

UCLA prepares for next step after dream season ends in the Final Four

April 6, 2025

Cori Close: ‘Experience is such a powerful teacher, if you allow it to’

UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close (left), center Lauren Betts (center) and guard Kiki Rice during press conference at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. on April 3, 2025.

How focusing on life outside of basketball made Lauren Betts even better on the court

April 4, 2025

Close: ‘I feel like there’s a lightness about her that didn’t exist before’

LSU Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow (24) tries to knock the ball away from UCLA Bruins forward Timea Gardiner (30) during the second half of the Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena on May 30, 2025 in Spokane, Wash.

Aneesah Morrow’s prolific college career ends with cemented legacy

April 2, 2025

Kim Mulkey: ‘You wish you had an Aneesah every time you walked on a court’

LSU Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow (24) flexes and lets out a yell after a play against the NC State Wolfpack during the second half of the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash. on March 28, 2025.

Unstoppable Aneesah Morrow leads LSU to Elite Eight

March 30, 2025

Morrow: ‘We have to be able to dominate and we have to be able to make defensive stops and we did that’