The Beginning of a New Season - Atlanta Dream Wins First Game in Franchise History PDF Print E-mail
Sports
Written by Shayla Forrest   
Sunday, 06 July 2008 01:12
“Tonight is the beginning of a new season for us...” as quoted by the MVP of tonight’s game Kristin Haynie. With a 0-17 record, why would she say this?

Because the Atlanta Dream landed their first win. Every bit of the game was entertaining. Atlanta was shooting well, drawing fouls and making the free throws, taking charges, stealing the ball, and playing intense defense.

The Dream lead the game against the Chicago Sky for at least 80% percent of the game but the win was not until Tamera Young hit two free throws with 54 seconds on the clock in the 4th quarter, that winning seemed real. The Dream’s stands are usually clearing out by the time the clock reads three minutes but this time they were standing on their feet cheering the team on.

The final quarter was nothing but excitement for the Dream and their fans. To start, Betty Lennox and Alison Bales hit jump shots, which were coupled with three point shots from Haynie and Ivory Latta. Just when the Sky was starting their own momentum, Haynie stopped them dead in their tracks with a steal from Candice Dupree. From that point forward the Sky was in trouble. Being forced to foul, the Dream was sent to line again and again hitting every shot.

The performance was really a result of perfect team effort. Six players scored double figures. Latta and Jennifer Lacy ended the game with 18 points, Haynie 11, and Iziane Castro Marques, Lennox, and Young with 10. For Lacy, these 18 points helped her achieve her career high. In addition, she was 6-13 from the field and six rebounds. Ann Strother, MVP of Atlanta’s match against Houston, said that she had to work on shooting in the next game and she delivered with a season and career- high 10 points and a 100% free throw percentage (2-2). Haynie had a career-high 11 assists, a season-high 11 points, no turnovers, and two steals. To top of this all-star group, newcomer Alison Bales had a season-high rebounds.

“Haynie was calm and kept everyone on the floor calm,” commented Coach Meadors in a press conference. She felt that keeping everyone grounded was a key factor in tonight’s game. Latta agreed saying, “Haynie is back... she definitely deserved to be MVP of the game.” Latta as well as the fans and coaching staff hopes that they take enthusiasm, spirit, and everyone’s contributions on the road with them starting in Minnesota.