On the Beat With DePaul WBB Game One

The season opener was Allie Quigley Night for the DePaul Blue Demons Women's Basketball Team. With WNBA champ Quigley, the Blue Demons played like champs, crushing Texas Southern University 114-71.

First year player Aneesah Morrow was the star of the night. Playng her first regular season game, Morrow scored 31 points on 13-16 shooting. She is the first player in Coach Doug Bruno's DePaul career to score that many points in her freshman debut.

Morrow also grabbed a team-leading nine rebounds, falling just one short of a double-double. This prompted Coach Bruno to take a lighthearted jab at Morrow in the post-game media session for not hitting that milestone. Not missing a beat, Quigley retorted Coach Bruno should have kept Morrow in the game. This exchange caused a nice round of laughter from all.

Rounding out her dominating performance, Morrow had four steals and three blocks. Media members in press row were trying to recall any first game performance like this.

This game was never in doubt. TSU scored the first points, but DePaul took over from there, leading 35-18 after the first quarter and 60-27 at halftime. DePaul and Morrow were so dominating, Morrow actually matched TSU in scoring in the first half.

The lead was so big, Coach Bruno was able to give his bench a lot of playing time. Even with bench players in the game, DePaul played even with TSU as they cruised to the 43 point win.

In addition to Morrow, three other Blue Demons finished in double digits. Deja Church had 21, Dee Bekelja had 17 off the bench and Darrione Rogers poured in 11. Lexi Held had seven assists and six points.

For the game, DePaul shot 67.6% (46-68) from the field, 58.3% ()7-12) from three point land and 78.9% (15-19) from the free throw line. TSU shot 37.7% (29-77), 15.0% (3-20) and 90.9% (10-11), respectively.

It was a bit surreal in the post game media session with DePaul great Quigley sitting next to the rising star Morrow. It was a total feel good session, as all celebrated DePaul's past and future.

DePaul returns to action Friday night at Wintrust. They will face city rival Loyola University.

On Monday, Quigley, Coach Bruno and Held participated in a Zoom press session which can be found at On the Beat With Allie Quigley, Coach Doug Bruno & Lexi Held.

On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 07/10/2021

Prior to their game against the Washington Mystics, the Chicago Sky held a media session featuring Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot. Much of the discussion focused on the All-Star game, the state of the team and the upcoming break for the Olympics, along with some other interesting topics.

Quigley started the session by talking about the All-Star game and her participation and preparation for the three-point contest. A two-time three-point champ (2017 and 2018), Quigley hasn't done much extra work, but is relying on her regular routine and overall skills.

The conversation turned to how she is feeling in her 14th year. Obviously, she isn't as at her peak like her younger days, but she feels great and is playing at a top level. 

Quigley finished her session by talking about the upcoming break and the state of the team. The team will use this time to regroup a bit and focus on the final stretch into the playoffs.

Vandersloot stated by giving her definition of a truly great player. It's a bit ironic, because a great player herself, Vandersloot is much too humble to just describe herself. Instead, she gave a few qualities a great player should possess.

The conversation shifted to second half adjustments for the Sky and what she has learned about the team this season. As always, Vandersloot gave an insightful look at the team. She was fair in her assessment of the inconsistent play of the team this season, but their overall abilities. Echoing Quigley, Vandersloot talked about the tam using the break to refocus and get back on track as they make the push for the playoffs.

The session finished with Vandersloot making a case for Quigley as the Sixth Woman of the Year, an award Quigley has already won twice (2014 and 2015). Quigley's play merits consideration for the award. She also talked about the team supporting Quigley during the three-point contest. Quigley could be a three-time winner of that and the Sixth Woman award.

Unfortunately, the Sky dropped their night game to the Mystics 89-85 in overtime. The Sky finished the first part of the season at 10-10, good for a second place tie with the New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference. The inconsistent Sky had both a winning and losing streak of seven games. They finished the first half losing three of four. They will return to action on Sunday, August 15 when they host the Seattle Storm.

The WNBA All-Star game takes place Wednesday, July 14 at 7 pm (EST). Team WNBA faces Team USA.The Sky will have three players, Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot and Candace Parker, playing for the WNBA All-Stars against Team USA. Allie Quigley will be one of four participants in the three-point contest. Connecticut's Jonquel Jones, Seattle's Jewell Loyd and New York's Sami Whitcomb are the other three vying for the title. Loyd and Jones are also in the AS game, while Whitcomb is viewed as one of the biggest oversights.

The media session can be found at On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 07/10/2021. Check back here for my recurring coverage of the WNBA.

On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 09/15/20

The Chicago Sky's season ended with a 94-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun in their one game playoff. The Sky will now leave “the Wubble,” while the Sun will advance to the next single elimination game on Thursday.
It was a disappointing, but not entirely shocking loss for the Sky. As losers of six of their last regular season games, the Sky had been struggling to find success of late.
After a strong start to their season, the Sky was 11-4 in first place in the Eastern Conference and viewed as a real threat to win the WNBA championship. Unfortunately, that would be the high point. They finished their schedule with only one more win (against the 8-14 Dallas Wings), while losing the other six games by an average of 7 points.
The departure of Diamond DeShields (personal reasons) and Azura Stevens (injury) hurt the team, but nobody used that as an excuse. The Sky acquired Stephanie Mavunga and signed Alexis Prince for additional bench depth, but it just wasn't enough.
In the post game presser, Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper, Allie Quigley and Gabby Williams were understandably upset, but they remained positive about what was accomplished this season.
The Sky fared well on the WNBA season average leader board ranks, including Points (3), Field Goal Percentage (1), Three Point Percentage (5), Assists (2), Blocks (3), Defensive Rebounds (5) and Plus/Minus (5). On the other hand, there were some lower end ranks, including, Offensive Rebounds (10), Total Rebounds (9), Steals (8) and Free Throw Percentage (7).
Individually Courtney Vandersloot led the league in assists and was 9th in plus/minus. Cheyenne Parker was 7th in offensive rebounds. That was about it for top ten individual rankings.
In the end, the Sky and every other WNBA team should be proud of this season. They stood tall during a health pandemic and social unrest. They stayed true to their goal of using their platform for social change. A full league photo was a first as far as I have ever seen in the world of sports. That photo speaks volumes, representing the unity of the players and the league. The Sky gave fans a season of fun.
I would like to publicly thank Director of Public Relations and Communications Kelly Kane and intern Jake Meister for facilitating our coverage, including giving us access to the team all season. I also appreciate Coach James Wade and all the players for their time, consideration and fun.
Go to WNBA.com for info on the league, including the rest of the playoffs. Check back here for recurring coverage of the WNBA.

On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 09/14/20

The Chicago Sky finished the WNBA regular season with a 95-88 win over the Dallas Wings. The Sky finished in first place In the Eastern Conference.

The Sky had lost four consecutive games and six of their last seven. During that skid, guard Diamond DeShields (personal reasons) and forward Azura Stevens (knee injury) left the team. The Sky also acquired forward Stephanie Mavunga from the Indiana Fever for center Jantel Lavender.

Despite their Eastern Conference first place finish, the Sky is seeded sixth for the WNBA playoffs, as conference standings do not figure into the equation. At 12-10, the Sky are ranked ahead of the Connecticut Sun (10-12) and the Washington Mystics (9-13). This sets up the first round single-elimination games tonight featuring the Sky facing the Sun and the Mystics battling the Phoenix Mercury (13-9).

In the media session on Monday, Coach James Wade, forward Cheyenne Parker and guars Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley were upbeat and stressed the team simply had to play to their capabilities. While that is expected talk for a playoff team, it isn't merely lip service. Prior to their late season slide, the Sky was riding high at 11-4. They were battling for the top spot in the WNBA and were considered to be a real threat to the championship.

The Sky outscored the Sun 1,908 to 1,768. The Sky shot better from the field (49.1%-42.7%) and from 3 point territory (35.1%-31.2%). The Sun had an edge in steals (12.9-10.3) and rebounds (49.4-46.3), while the Sky led in assists (29.6-25.2). Overall. The Sky head into the game as 3.5 point favorites. I am predicting a Sky win 82-79.

Go to WNBA.com for more info on the league and the playoffs. Check back here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for more coverage.

On the Beat With the Chicago Sky: 7/30/17

Last Sunday, I was back "On the Beat" with the Chicago Sky.  The Sky lost a tough battle 86-82 to the New York Liberty.  My recap of the game can be found on the Patch at On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 7/30/17.
The Sky are now 8-16 and tied for 10th place (out of 12 teams) with the Indiana Fever.  With 8 teams making the playoffs, it seems a longshot for the Sky.  On the other hand, the 8th spot is currently held by the Atlanta Dream with a record of 10-14.  Suddenly, it doesn't look impossible.
Sunday's game was very interesting.  The Sky outscored the Liberty in the 1st, 3rd and 4th quarters.  As a matter of fact, they outscored the Liberty for all but the 10-0 run for the Liberty at the start of the 2nd quarter.  As frustrating as that sounds, it is also a source of hope.  The Liberty are now 12-10 in 6th place and the Sky hung with them (except for that one spurt).
I continue to be impressed with this team.  Coach Amber Stocks is poised, calm and confident.  She praises her team when it's deserved, but she also accepts the criticism when it is justified.  She faces the media with her head held high, supporting her team as she explains what went wrong and what worked.
The players follow the lead from Coach Stock.  In Sunday's case, Jessica Breland and Allie Quigley faced the media.  While it is not a harsh group of reporters, it still can't be pleasant after such a tough battle.
I am also impressed with the fan base the Sky have.  The Allstate Arena is filled with young, loud fans, who know the team.  These aren't just casual fans.  These are the future ticket-buyers.
I am also excited about the future for another reason.  The team just announced they will move to the new Wintrust Arena near McCormick Place for next season.  The state-of-the-art arena will hold 10,000 and should be a major draw in the south loop.
As you can tell, I have been enjoying my experience with the Sky.  There are still 10 games left and I will be watching them either on television or at the arena.
You can check Sky.WNBA.com for more info, including their schedule.  I also want to give a huge thank you to the Sky for their hospitality.

On the Beat With Allie Quigley of the Chicago Sky-7/12/17

We were back "On the Beat" with the WNBA Chicago Sky as they beat the Dallas Wings 90-84, to raise their record to 5-12 for the season.  It was also their second consecutive victory.

Guard Allie Quigley led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 7-12 on field goal attempts and 5-9 from 3 point land.  She was also 3-4 from the free throw line and had 6 assists and 1 rebound.

A native of Joliet, IL, Quigley starred at DePaul University before being selected by the Seattle Storm in the second round (22nd overall) in the 2008 WNBA Draft.  The Storm released her prior to the season, but the Phoenix Mercury quickly signed her.  

Quigley spent 2 seasons with the Mercury, then joined the Indiana Fever.  In 2011, she found her way back to the Storm, where she played for 1 season.  Quigley signed with the Sky in 2013 and has played here ever since.

She also played overseas during that span.  She won the Turkish Super Cup in 2015 and the Turkish League in 2016.  She also won the Turkish Cup in 2016 and was the MVP of the Turkish Cup.

This season, she has played in 14 games, averaging 16.4 points while playing over 31 minutes of action.  She also adds 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game, while shooting over 45% from 3 point territory.

In Wednesday's game, she shot 5-9 from the 3 point land, which was a major part of the Sky's offense.  She led all scorers with 22 points.

In the post-game media session, Quigley was asked about her three point shooting now and during her time at DePaul.  She also talked a bit about teammate Keisha Hampton.  Below is the Quigley portion of the post-game media session.  

It's very cool to see a local lady do well with the Sky.  Quigley has worked hard to get to this point and she deserves all of the success she has and the praise she gets.

Thank you to the Chicago Sky for their hospitality.  I appreciate Quigley's time and consideration for this media session.  I encourage everyone to check out the Sky in action.  Head over to Sky.WNBA.com for more info, incuding their remaining schedule.