It is generally hot in Indiana in July, but these Girls of Summer are on fire and show no signs of cooling off soon.
Playing inspired basketball that has defined teamwork and unselfishness, this group continues to excel and looks to have what it takes in terms of a championship contender.
Sure there are a lot of games to be played, but for those of you out there who may have doubted this team, well you were just flat wrong, as they have brought heart and hustle to the floor each night. They are now riding a franchise best eight game winning streak after defeating Atlanta 78-74 at Conseco Fieldhouse before a rowdy and appreciative crowd of 7,024 fans who no doubt went away thinking this club has what it takes to
challenge for their first WNBA title.
In a game where both teams made impressive runs, it looked like Atlanta could perhaps end the Fever winning streak at seven, but Indiana tightened up defensively in the final stanza and held off the Dream to avenge a double overtime loss in the first game of the season.
Tammy Sutton-Brown patrolled the post and led the charge with a game high 22 points as well as hauling down 9 boards.
Tamika Catchings who finally appears to be healthy added 19 points and matched Sutton-Brown with nine rebounds of her own.
Atlanta, now 5-7 on the season was led by Sancho Lyttle who tallied 18 points, while Erika de Souza and Angel McCoughtry each tallied 15 points for the Dream. Chamique Holdsclaw managed only 2 points in just over 12 minutes of playing time. Atlanta also played without Tamera Young, who did not dress due to an ankle injury.
Notes: Tammy Sutton-Brown was named the WNBA Eastern Conference player of the week for games played Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 5 after compiling averages of 18.0ppg, 11.5 rebounds, and 3 blocks per contest.
Earlier in the season I wrote that Sutton-Brown was not playing up to her capabilities in the post. She certainly has proved me to be incorrect since then and I told her that after the Atlanta game.
The Fever will conduct their annual bowling tournament on July 8 at Pinheads in Fishers. All proceeds benefit the Be YOUnique Foundation. To date the Fever has raised over $56,000 for this great cause in their continual efforts to give back to the community.
I had the opportunity to speak to Fever Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Kelly Krauskopf at length before the Atlanta contest. She stated that she feels the WNBA business model is sound and will be effective for the future.
While economic factors have impacted all professional sports, Krauskopf is optimistic about current developments including a recently announced local sponsorship agreement with Kroger.
She feels the WNBA television contract which runs through 2016, is a good partnership for both parties and looks for more teams to develop agreements similar to those in Phoenix and Los Angeles where sponsorship logos have become part of the game uniforms. While her resume speaks volumes in terms of professional and collegiate basketball experience, it was her enthusiasm and passion for the game that really impressed me.
I think it is safe to say that the franchise is fortunate to have her and in good hands with her at the helm. She is indeed dedicated to bringing a WNBA championship banner to Conseco Fieldhouse, and for that we must all take notice and be very grateful. Kudos to her for taking the time to speak to me.
The next Fever home game is Wednesday July 15 against the Chicago Sky and features a special 1 p.m. matinee starting time. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, which can be reached at (317) 917-2727.
Danny Bridges, who truly feels this group of ladies has a shot to win it all, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
