The Olympics' golden afterglow continued Saturday as the Monarchs saluted their own Kara Lawson and Houston's Tina Thompson.
In a touching moment before Saturday's game, both players received bouquets at center court and a boisterous ovation from the Arco Arena fans. Also honored was former Monarch Hamchétou Maïga-Ba, who captained her native Mali team in Beijing.
Maïga-Ba, who sprained her left ankle during the Olympics, did not suit up for Houston.
As part of "Women of Inspiration Night," former Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller – a seven-time medalist – shared memories during timeouts and fielded questions from the crowd.
A good talker – Not expected to play this season, DeMya Walker talked her way back onto the basketball court. The former All-Star forward broke her right kneecap in April but has rejoined the Monarchs in time for a playoff run.
Monarchs general manager John Whisenant admitted he was surprised by her quick return.
"But ultimately it was my decision," he said. "DeMya wanted to play so bad, I finally agreed. … We're carefully managing her minutes, only three or four at a time and 15 or 16 a game. We want her to stay healthy."
When Walker entered Saturday's game with 4:45 left in the first half, the crowd gave her a loud welcome. She played 11 minutes Thursday in her comeback game at Los Angeles.
Last season, Walker missed all but the first five games after tearing her right patella tendon in June 2007.
Reading rewards – For the fourth consecutive season, the Monarchs won the WNBA's "Court of Dreams" contest. The prize goes to local students.
Teaming up with local Kiwanis and Rotary Club members as well as Wells Fargo Bank, the Monarchs sold more tickets than the other 13 WNBA franchises for designated games. More than 5,000 Monarchs tickets were donated by the organizations to local youth groups.
As a reward, the WNBA will donate funds to build a reading and learning center for St. John's Shelter Program for Women and Children in Sacramento. The center is expected to open this fall.
Tuesday, the Monarchs also will dedicate a new reading and learning center at Lincoln Youth Center, including a computer lab, reading lounge, game room, study room and a sports-themed outdoor landscape project. It was donated by Maloof Sports and Entertainment, Wells Fargo and Dome Printing.
Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
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