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.

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

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

Coaches put state of women’s basketball at the forefront in latest chapter of UCLA-USC rivalry

December 16, 2022

UCLA’s Cori Close and USC’s Lindsay Gottlieb want their teams’ rivalry to be the hottest ticket in Los Angeles

Ila Lane; UCSB

UC Santa Barbara off to a solid start

December 6, 2022

The Gauchos have thus far lived up to their early preseason ranking

Tess Amundsen

Big West weekly roundup

November 17, 2022

Some of the top storylines in the Big West from the first week of play

Jordyn Jackson, CSUN

2022-23 Big West Conference season preview

November 7, 2022

The Big West Conference will be defined this season by youth and the transfer portal

Connecticut Sun head coach Curt Miller stands in front of the scorer's table, looking out towards the court, with his arms crossed

Los Angeles Sparks get their coach in Curt Miller

October 21, 2022

Veteran WNBA coach Curt Miller will serve as the franchise’s next head coach

Kianna Smith

Kianna Smith ready to build off her rookie season

August 29, 2022

It was a season of back and forth for the rookie as she did her best adapting to the pro game