Mystics Rookie Johnson Gets A Heap of Praise From Staley

UNCASVILLE, Conn., July 9 -- Alana Beard was the lone Washington Mystics representative in the WNBA All-Star Game, but that could change next summer, according to Charlotte veteran Dawn Staley.

Staley, who played in her fourth all-star game, is a big fan of Washington rookie Temeka Johnson. Johnson is tied for the league lead in assists (5.7 per game) and ranks second among rookies in scoring (10.4 points per game). Staley, who is the head coach of the Temple women's program, coached against Johnson when Johnson was at LSU last season.

"She's got my all-star vote," Staley said. "I think you'll see her in a bunch of these before her career is over. She's quick. She's tough. She has great vision. People might talk about her being small but you can't talk about the small game to me. She's having a tremendous season."

West Sets Records

The West established several WNBA all-star game records in its 122-99 victory Saturday, including ones for most points (122), most first-half points (52) and most three-pointers (12). The West had 10 players score at least eight points, with seven reaching double figures.

"I think we just did a beautiful job of moving the ball around and finding open shots," said Minnesota Lynx guard Katie Smith, who hit 4 of 6 three-pointers and finished with 16 points. . . .

WNBA Commissioner Donna Orender said the league may consider adding a rookie game to the weekend's all-star activities. Orender said it's possible the league could go with a retired players against rookies format.

"Maybe the old-timers can show these young whippersnappers a thing or two or maybe not," Orender said. . . .

Renee Brown, who oversees discipline for the WNBA, said the league is reviewing an incident from Thursday's game between the Mystics and Detroit Shock. Detroit's Elaine Powell threw a forearm to the head of Washington guard Coco Miller, who fell to the court and had to be helped off by teammates.

No foul was called on the play and Miller returned to the game after a brief break, but the league could levy a fine or suspension. . . .

The WNBA is encouraging fans to log on to http://www.WNBA.com and contribute to the sixth-annual Breast Health Auction, with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The auction runs through July 19 and fans can bid on several WNBA and NBA prizes, including an opportunity to play a game of HORSE with Mystics all-star Alana Beard.