KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The WNBA season tipped off a couple weeks ago, and former Tennessee players already have made a mark in the league in 2019.
Former Lady Vol Diamond DeShields scored a season-high 21 points against Seattle on June 1 and helped the Chicago Sky defeat the Storm 83-79. She also collected five rebounds, two steals and one block in 35 minutes of action. Her next game is on June 5 against the Washington Mystics (CBS Sports Network).
DeShields is one of three LVFLs to score in double digits already this season. Shekinna Stricklen collected 15 points during 22 minutes of duty and led the Connecticut Sun to an 80-74 victory against the Las Vegas Aces. Her next game is June 6 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Mercedes Russell was the other UT player to achieve a double-digit game with 10 points against Atlanta and was just shy of a double-double with seven rebounds. She helped the Seattle Storm defeat the Dream 83-79.
Candace Parker, meanwhile, remains sidelined. The L.A. Sparks star is recovering from a hamstring injury that has plagued her since the preseason.
Diamond DeShields
Chicago Sky | G | 2nd Season
DeShields has started in both of the Chicago Sky’s games so far this season. She is averaging 10.5 ppg. and 3.0 rpg. thus far. Her next game is June 5 at the Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network).
Isabelle Harrison
Dallas Wings | F/C | 4th Season
After sitting out all last season due to medical reasons, Harrison has been averaging a little over 18 minutes a game and tallying 2.5 ppg. and 5.5 rpg. The next game for her is on June 7 at the Indiana Fever beginning at 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network).
Glory Johnson
Dallas Wings | F | 7th Season
Johnson has started in both contests for the Dallas Wings this season. In 25 minutes of action per game, she has produced 5.5 ppg. and 7.5 rpg. She also has made a three-pointer in both games so far this season.
Candace Parker
Los Angeles Sparks | F/C | 12th Season
Parker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the preseason.
Mercedes Russell
Seattle Storm | C | 2nd Season
Russell has already played in four games this season and averages 18.6 minutes per contest. With more time on the court compared to last season, she has been contributing 4.8 ppg. and 5.3 rpg.. The Seattle Storm continues its season tonight against Minnesota at 10 p.m. (Twitter).
Shekinna Stricklen
Connecticut Sun | G/F | 8th Season
Stricklen has started in all four games so far this season for the Connecticut Sun. She is sitting at 7.8 ppg. and has chipped in 2.0 rpg. and 1.5 apg. so far this season. She also has been shooting a staggering 83.3 percent on free throws. Her next game is June 6 against the L.A. Sparks at 7 p.m. (League Pass).
UT Athletics
