OutPlay

by D.L. (Deb) Murphy

STEALTH ATTACK

The other pro women’s basketball team looks to the playoffs

Hey, did you just pay big bucks for your not-so-close-to-the-floor Comets season tickets? Would you like the opportunity to watch players like Sheryl Swoops, Tina Thompson, Sue Bird, and Becky Hammon from the up-close seats? And for only $8 a game? That opportunity exists in Houston with the Houston Stealth, the local team of the National Women’s Basketball League.

The WNBL formed six years ago as a recreational league. Over the past three years, the league has provided an opportunity for American professional players to play off-season ball in the United States rather than overseas. The WNBL also allows players to work out the kinks if they are recovering from an injury. This is where Sheryl Swoopes first played when she was rehabbing her knee injury.

The league consists of six teams spread throughout the eastern half of the United States (sorry, there isn’t another Los Angeles team for us to loathe here) and features much of the top talent of the WNBA. Current stats show the league leaders to be Swoopes in scoring and steals (no surprise), Rebecca Lobo in rebounds, Misi Clark in free throws, Sue Bird in assists, and Yatar Kuyeteh (who?) in field-goal percentage.

This year’s Houston Stealth roster includes Michelle Snow, Kelley Gibson, Tina Thompson, Swoopes, and Tamicha Jackson as well as several lesser-known players. They are coached by John Chancellor (Van’s son). Even with all of this talent, our girls are in the cellar (2–6 at the time this was written). Sad as this record is, it indicates the solid talent present throughout the league.

And the games are excellent. I recently attended a game between the Houston Stealth and the Tennessee Fury, and I am happy to report that this was an exciting, high-level game. Octavia Blue put on a solid, in-your-face performance. Swoopes was everything we have come to expect. Marie Ferdinand was outstanding for Tennessee, leading the Fury with 16 points.

I am disappointed to report that the quality of the officiating was as poor here as it is in the WNBA. The officials are as blind as ever about blatant fouls when someone is going to the basket. The officiating was so bad I tried to think of it as a chance to perfect my vocabulary of non-profane abuse of officials.

Overall, this is the best $8 sports entertainment in town. You get to watch WNBA star players, see old college players you really liked (but who didn’t quite make it to the big league), and attend a game at Rice University’s Autry Court (a really good but not well-known venue).

League playoffs are scheduled for April 11, 12, and 13. The playoff format is unusual in that all six teams will participate. Check out www.nwbl.com for details.

I may have missed most of the season this year, but will not do so next year. A season ticket is only $80, and you get to sit in the good seats.

D.L. Murphy wrote “School’s Out” in the March 2002 issue.

AND MORE BASKETBALL

While the April 4–8 NCAA women’s hoops championships take place in Atlanta this month, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund will host “Winning Women,” a party featuring leaders from sports and politics. Comic Kate Clinton will emcee the April 7 event at the Wyndham Atlanta. The evening will include appearances by other luminaries, among them Helen Carroll, former University of North Carolina basketball coach and the first out NCAA athletic director (during 12 years at Mills College in California). Carroll is now the director of the Homophobia in Sports project through the National Center for Lesbian Rights, in partnership with the Women’s Sports Foundation. Other speakers include Sandy Botham, in her seventh season as University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee head women’s basketball coach. More info: www.victoryfund.org, www.gay-atlanta.com. —Victor Zorn

ORDER ON THE COURT

OK, we admit it. We look forward to the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships because it sanctions our staring at handsome men in shorts for hours. But as true tennis fans know, the annual tournament at Westside Tennis Club attracts world-class players, including Andrew Roddick, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi. Part of the ATP tour, the April 21–27 event is presented in part by Gallery Furniture chief Mac McIngvale, who also owns Westside with his wife, Linda. Ticket info: 713/783-1620, www.mensclaycourt.com. —VZ

SPIKE!

Speaking of legs, lanky jocks from across the nation will converge on Houston for the Lone Star Volleyball Classic, April 18–19 at Willowbrook Sports Complex. Double elimination rounds begin Saturday at 8 a.m. Winning teams will qualify to play at the North American Gay Volleyball Association championships in New Orleans in May. The weekend culminates in the Saturday-evening Bayou Ball at the Sheraton Suites-Galleria. Proceeds from the annual Lone Star Volleyball Association tournament benefit Houston Buyers Club. John Pastrano is tournament director. More info: www.lsva.org. —VZ

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