Posts by David Mendez-Yapkowitz

David has been with The IX Basketball 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.

Hunter Hernandez’s ascent has UC Irvine atop the Big West

January 25, 2026

The fifth-year guard is in the midst of a breakout season

UCLA’s Lena Bilic continues to learn on the fly this season

January 21, 2026

Cori Close: ‘She’s got some things that are really hard to teach’

How Vanessa McManus has made an immediate impact for Cal Poly

January 7, 2026

The sophomore guard has been among the top players in the Big West this season

With new faces in new places, UCLA and USC add another chapter to storied rivalry

January 5, 2026

Both teams will play each other once more during the regular season.

Why Long Beach State has needed JaQuoia Jones-Brown’s ascension

December 21, 2025

Long Beach State has relied on its sophomore star JaQuia Jones-Brown out of necessity

How Sienna Betts fared in her UCLA debut

December 17, 2025

Lauren Betts: ‘I just felt super jolly’

How Gabriela Jaquez has become UCLA’s most versatile player

December 4, 2025

The senior wing has played nearly every position this season

How Lauren Betts’ development helps her WNBA draft stock

November 30, 2025

There’s no doubt that the Bruins’ star center will be a lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft

How Raven Johnson is South Carolina’s ‘consummate’ point guard

November 18, 2025

The fifth-year guard is the team’s leader amid several new faces

How Gianna Kneepkens is fitting in at UCLA

November 9, 2025

The transfer guard has added to the Bruins’ talented roster