Massaline's strong camp is making Donovan's decision tough. Jeff Reinking/WNBAE/Getty

The arrival for the first time during Seattle Storm training camp of the male squad that regularly scrimmages against the team (and included camp invitee Lindsey Wilson much of last year) was a welcome site.

"We couldn't wait for the guys to get here," said Coach Anne Donovan. "We've been itching for that because we don't have enough subs in the post. We've got a lot of post players going at a high number of reps, which is always a concern, for injury and other reasons.

Donovan went on to add that the presence of outsiders helped make scrimmages more interesting and a better gauge of where her team is at.

"Today was even better because we had guys, so it was cleaned up a lot," Donovan said. "When you're defending your own offense, everybody knows the offense, everybody knows the cuts, so it's hard to really see what you've got. Today, I don't know if we took the next step, but I was able to see more clearly what was good and what we need to work on."

Defense continues to lead the latter category as the primary focus throughout training camp. In particular, Donovan discussed using more pressure full-court with the addition of Betty Lennox and Sheri Sam as athletic perimeter defenders. In addition, Donovan said the team needs to refine its motion offense - a typical concern so early during camp.

Three at the Three

As the Storm moves along in training camp, competition for roster spots is beginning to heat up.

"Players are stepping up," Donovan said. "They know that the bell is about to ring, and they're trying to beat it."

One position that's proven to be surprisingly competitive has been small forward. In addition to projected starter Sam, the Storm has Adia Barnes, the incumbent starter before suffering a season-ending ACL injury last July, and Tonya Massaline, who impressed the coaching staff with her play down the stretch after joining the team at the end of July. Massaline is having a good camp, which will make cutting her difficult, but Donovan does not expect to keep all three players.

"I'm looking to keep five posts, that's generally what I like to do, and we'll keep seven on the perimeter," Donovan explained. "Since they all offer the same thing, that's why I say it's tough to keep all three. They all offer the same offensively and defensively, so it will be difficult to keep all three. I'm not saying I absolutely won't, but since they offer the same thing, it's tough to keep three of the same."

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