The Los Angeles Sparks' Media Day

Story by L.T.Willis

Jantel Lavender and Spark's coach Jennifer Gillom having a good time with
the media at the Sparks' Media Day.





The Los Angeles Sparks Media Day at St.Mary High School in Inglewood was full of fun and excitement as players,coaches and Sparks' personnel had a chance to share with the media about the up coming 2011 WNBA season. My one on one with Jantel Lavender was not only a honor for me but a real treat.There have been thousand of women and men college basketball players, for her to be name The Big Ten Player  of The Year 4 times is truly remarkable. She is very excited by being on the team with Tina Thompson, Candace Parker, DeLisha- Milton Jones and the rest of here team mates. She told me that some of her goals was to lead the league in rebounding and block shots.She is amaze how quickly the players have bonded during raining camp and can't wait till the season starts. Now what surprise me was when i  ask her what was her favorite food she told me Sushi.

Sparks' Joe Bryant and T.G. Sports' Nick Hamilton having fun during
the Sparks' 2011 Media Day.



Now i just knew she was going to say soul food. I ask her how does it fell to be coach by Joe Bryant. She smile and told me he's been sharing tibbets that has really helped her ,but also the other players on the team as well and that have been having really good practices. Now the other buzz during media is the return of Candace Parker who miss half of last season with a shoulder injury and to me she look like she was in the best shape i seen her since she  came in to the lead. No one was more excited to see her than her team mates Tina Thompson and DeLisha-Milton Jones and the coaching staff for the Sparks.

Tina Thompson, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Candace Parker.
Photo by Eric Wade EW/Gems Images







The Sparks also sign Ebony Hoffman this season that will really be a big plus for the Sparks' who is in need of of another big body who can shoot the ball as well as take defenders of the dribble and plays good defense  will   give the  the Sparks another post player to go along with Candace Parker. Kristi Toliver who is back for a third season should really strecth other teams defense as she is a threat from 3 point range. Second year Natasha Lacy will give them the speed that they really need at the point guard position.With Chanel Mokango 6'5, Jantel Lavender 6'4, Candace Parker 6'4, Courtney Paris 6'4, Tina Thompson  and Ebony Hoffman the Sparks will deepest front court in the WNBA. Here is a video interview of Sparks' President Mike Levy about the up coming season.