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.

Chicago sky big Azurá Stevens dribbles while posting-up Washington Mystics big Myisha Hines-Allen, as Stevens puts a hand on Hines-Allen's hip and starts to spin around her

Stephanie Talbot and Azurá Stevens ready to build in Los Angeles

February 12, 2023

The veteran sharpshooter is eager to bring her talents to the Sparks.

Los Angeles Sparks point guard Jordin Canada dribbles up the court while looking upcourt

Jordin Canada re-signs with Sparks

February 9, 2023

The veteran point guard is back but this time on a training camp contract.

Layshia Clarendon (7) handles the ball against the Chicago Sky during the second round of the 2021 playoffs. Photo Credit: John McLellan

How Layshia Clarendon fits the Los Angeles Sparks

February 6, 2023

And what questions remain for the LA roster?

UCLA head coach Cori Close gives a thumbs up on the sidelines.

UCLA searching for answers amid longest losing streak of their season

February 5, 2023

The Bruins have lost three games in a row, all one-possession games to ranked Pac-12 opponents

Los Angeles Sparks off-ball guard Lexie Brown releases a long jumper off fingertips, as two Connecticut Sun defenders watch on from a distance too far away to contest

Sparks make first free agency signings

February 1, 2023

Lexie Brown is back in the fold and Stephanie Talbot has arrived

Dearica Hamby, wearing a USA practice pinnie, raises her right arm in the air while holding a basketball in her left.

Los Angeles Sparks trade for Dearica Hamby

January 21, 2023

Sparks send Amanda Zahui B. and a draft pick to Aces for Hamby and a 2024 first-round pick

Connecticut Sun point guard Jasmine Thomas, mid-air, releases the ball off her fingertips for a jump shot

Los Angeles Sparks acquire Jasmine Thomas from Sun

January 16, 2023

The move reunites Curt Miller with his former point guard

Connecticut Sun head coach Curt Miller stands in front of the scorer's table, holding a clipboard and smiling while looking out at the court. He is wearing the Sun's Pride shirt.

2023 WNBA free agency preview: Los Angeles Sparks

January 10, 2023

The Sparks are set to enter WNBA free agency armed with cap space

USC guard/forward Rayah Marshall dribbles the ball with her right hand as a UCLA defender tries to wall up.

At battle for Los Angeles, emotions run high

January 10, 2023

USC, UCLA experience all the feels

Hennie van Schaik shooting a free throw.

Hennie van Schaik is ready for year two

December 30, 2022

The second-year forward from the Netherlands is looking to build on a strong freshman season