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.

McKenzie Forbes screams in triumph and thumps her palm to her chest as her teammates cheer in the background.

Duke and Baylor ousted in Portland, but future is bright

March 31, 2024

USC and UConn won their respective games to become the final Elite Eight teams, but the losing teams showed exciting future

Gonzaga forward Maud Huijbens bends her knees and holds her position with the ball, looking for a way out of a Texas double team.

How the Texas defense stifled Gonzaga to earn a trip to the Elite Eight

March 30, 2024

Plus, how Gonzaga found its joy in the postseason

Texas guard Madison Booker (35) dribbles the ball towards the BYU basket during the basketball game at the Moody Center.

Sweet 16 notebook: Day 1 in Portland

March 29, 2024

Insights ahead of the Sweet 16 in Portland

Lauren Schwartz leaves lasting legacy at Washington

March 28, 2024

Several Huskies credit Schwartz with helping change the UW culture

Lauren Schwartz dribbles the basketball at speed while Kelsey Ransom chases back defensively.

Georgetown toughs out first WBIT victory

March 22, 2024

Hoyas continue impressive season under newly minted head coach

Guards galore: The best candidates for Pac-12 All-Freshman team

March 5, 2024

Breaking down the top newcomers out West, with their own insights

Nneka Ogwumike stands in a bright yellow blazer holding a Storm jersey emblazoned with the number three and Ogwumike's last name. She stands next to Skylar Diggins-Smith who holds a jersey with her own last name and the number four on it.

Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike talk why Seattle, excitement, and high expectations

February 28, 2024

Dedicated practice facilities, high expectations, and Jewell Loyd highlight how Seattle signed two all-time greats

Skylar Diggins-Smith stands in a gym, talking to Bridget Pettis who has her back turned to the camera, basketball under her arm.

How Bridget Pettis helped Skylar Diggins-Smith return to the court

February 27, 2024

Diggins-Smith: ‘I didn’t feel like I wanted to keep playing’

Nneka Ogwumike stands in profile view with her hair in a bun and a white headband as she looks up into the distance.

Nneka Ogwumike signing completes Seattle’s turnaround into immediate contender

February 6, 2024

One of the WNBA’s all-time great players adds both impressive offense and defense that will undoubtedly further elevate the Storm

Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith prepares to jump in the air for a right-handed layup.

Skylar Diggins-Smith signing spells bright future for Seattle Storm

February 1, 2024

Seattle sign one of the league’s best point guards with plenty of cap space to spare