Women's Hoops Blog

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her first year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"

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July 28, 2007 1:45 PM

Special visit

Posted by Jayda Evans

It's possible the Storm's added intensity on defense had to do with a pretty good defender circa 2004 returning to Seattle.

Retired forward Alicia "Chelle" Thompson is in town from Texas catching the games and catching up with old teammates. She attended practice Thursday and was introduced at the Friday win against Indiana. Thompson's presence brought a smile to players' faces, especially after a long road trip.

"It was great seeing her," said center Janell Burse, who also saw Thompson when the Storm played in San Antonio earlier this season.

Thompson was part of the 2004 championship team, a squad that was also known for its defense with Tully Bevilaqua, Adia Barnes and Sheri Sam in the lineup. They held opponents to 66.6 points a game, something the Storm would like to regain.

Seattle outscored Indiana 28-21 in the third quarter Friday, getting over that hump for a night. But the team is giving up an average of 75.6 points this season. True, scoring is up in the league, which is a good thing, but defense can be just as entertaining.

Thompson nodded when asked if she was going to give a pep talk. If so, the little extra motivation worked.

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