2002 Results:
The Monarchs finished
14-18 (.438, sixth in West) and didn't qualify for the WNBA Playoffs.
Roster | Stats | 2003 Schedule
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WNBA 2003 Season Preview

2003 Probable Starters:
C:
PF:
SF:
SG:
PG:

2003 Draft Results:
Rd. 1:
Rd. 1:
D.D.*:

2002 Leaders:
Points
Yolanda Griffith, 16.9 ppg
Rebs.
Yolanda Griffith, 8.7 rpg
Assts.
Ticha Penicheiro, 8.0 apg
Blocks
Tangela Smith, 1.44 bpg
Steals
Ticha Penicheiro, 2.67 spg

Head Coach:
Maura McHugh enters her third season with the team, and has a 28-24 (.538) career coaching record.

They Said It:
"We want to pick up where we left off last season. We�ve been talking, and we really believe that we have the caliber of team that can win a championship."
--Guard Ruthie Bolton, on Sacramento's outlook in 2003

VGM Prospect:
Ticha Penicheiro
Penicheiro (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 8.0 apg, 2.67 spg) is the WNBA's Jason Kidd, as she is the ultimate pass-first point guard.
WNBA.com Virtual GM

Monarchs Headlines:

(*-Denotes "Dispersal Draft")
(**-Was acquired in trade with
Detroit for Kedra Holland-Corn)
Sacramento Monarchs: 2003 Preview

Last season, the Sacramento Monarchs learned to deal with adversity. This season, they're hoping to return to greatness.


Campbell
The Monarchs are accustomed to being a title contender � they made it to the playoffs in 1999 and 2000, and went all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2001 � but last season's 14-18 finish was nothing short of a disappointment. Sacramento not only missed out on the postseason party, but they also lost star players Yolanda Griffith and Ticha Penicheiro to injury for extended periods of time.

These injuries paled in comparison to the absence of Edna Campbell, however, who missed all but the last game of the season due to breast cancer. Campbell is set to continue her historic return to the team in 2003, however, which will provide the Monarchs with both a spiritual and personnel boost.

"I�ve grown by watching (Campbell) and it�s been great," says teammate Ruthie Bolton. "It�s always easy to be happy and smile when things are going great, but when you�re faced with a life-challenging situation like that, she�s really handled it well."

Campbell � a career .382 three-point shooter � will also be a welcome addition in the backcourt. She'll team with rookie Kara Lawson � the best three-point shooter in Tennessee history � to give Sacramento what should be a much improved perimeter game.

With Campbell, Griffith and Penicheiro healthy again, the Monarchs are capable of playing with the best teams in the West, including L.A. and Houston. Griffith (16.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, .520 FG%) is especially vital to the team, as the 1999 MVP is one of the league's top post players. Griffith missing 15 games last season was arguably the biggest factor in the Monarchs' disappointing year.

A sub-.500 season might have been just the wake-up call this team needed, however, as they plan on using their struggles as motivation for 2003.

"I remember teams just rolling over us and killing us by 20 � I have a great memory � and this year I think we all will remember that," says Penicheiro. "We have to come back with a vengeance and just go out there and play Monarchs basketball."

Key Newcomers:

In addition to Lawson, the Monarchs expect big things from fellow rookie Chantelle Anderson. The 6-6 center out of Vanderbilt was selected with the No. 2 pick overall, and is expected to have an immediate impact.

Sacramento also did well in the Dispersal Draft, where they selected Portland's DeMya Walker. The 6-4 Walker averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.0 rpg for the Fire last season, and gives the Monarchs yet another solid option in the low post.



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