KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — One of the many highlights for LVFLs in the WNBA over the past few weeks was the return of Candace Parker for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Parker played her first game of the season on June 18. After easing her way back into action, she has now scored in double digits in her last three games, including a double-double against the Phoenix Mercury.
Diamond DeShields also has been lighting it up on the court, scoring double digits in five of the last six games she has played, including a 23-point effort against the Los Angeles Sparks. She is currently averaging 14.8 ppg., which leads the Chicago Sky and ranks 13th in the league.
Seattle’s Mercedes Russell is another former Lady Vol who currently sits in the top 25 in a stat column, as she is 23rd in rebounding with an average of 6.1 rpg. in the league. Russell has also made an impact in scoring, tallying double digits in the past two games for Seattle.
Shekinna Stricklen had a season high of 24 points for the Connecticut Sun in an 86-76 win over Atlanta. The Sun is now No. 2 in the league with a 9-4 overall record.
After having to sit out two games due to a concussion, Isabelle Harrison returned for the Dallas Wings and has scored in double digits in the last three games. Her teammate, Glory Johnson, recently left the Wings temporarily to compete in the EuroBasket tourney for the Montenegro team.
Diamond DeShields
Chicago Sky
G | 2nd Season
DeShields has started in all 12 of the Chicago Sky’s games this season. She is averaging 14.8 ppg., 5.8 rpg. and shooting 78.1 percent from the free throw line thus far. She leads the team in scoring and is currently ranked 13th in the league. Her next game is July 2 at the Las Vegas Aces at 3 p.m. ET (Twitter).
Isabelle Harrison
Dallas Wings
F/C | 4th Season
After sitting out all of last season due to medical reasons, Harrison has been averaging a little over 22 minutes a game and tallying 7.2 ppg. and 4.2 rpg. She recently scored 12 points and collected six rebounds against Minnesota. The next game for her is on July 5 against the Indiana Fever beginning at 8 p.m. (CBS Sports Network).
Glory Johnson
Dallas Wings
F | 7th Season
Johnson has started in five of six contests played for the Dallas Wings this season.She recently just left to play in the EuroBasket league for the Montenegro team. She has no exact return date, but is expected to be back sometime this month.
Candace Parker
Los Angeles Sparks
F/C | 12th Season
After being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Parker has started in all five games in which she has been active. She is currently averaging 9.4 ppg. and 7.0 rpg. She most recently led the Sparks in two victories with 18 points against Las Vegas, followed by 12 points against Chicago. Parker also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds against Phoenix. Her next contest is July 7 against the Washington Mystics at 5 p.m. (League Pass).
Mercedes Russell
Seattle Storm
C | 2nd Season
Russell has already played in 14 games this season and averages 25.5 minutes per contest. With more time on the court compared to last season, she has been contributing 7.1 ppg. and 6.1 rpg., which ranks at 23rd in the league. The Seattle Storm continues its season July 5 against the Atlanta Dream at 10 p.m. (League Pass).
Shekinna Stricklen
Connecticut Sun
G/F | 8th Season
Stricklen has started in all 13 games this season for the Connecticut Sun, as the team is in second place in the league standings. She is sitting at 9.8 ppg. and has chipped in 1.6 rpg. while playing 23.8 mpg. so far this season. Stricklen also has been shooting an impressive 88.9 percent on free throws. Her next game is July 6 against Minnesota at 2 p.m. (ESPN2).
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