The Portland Fire 2001 were led by Jackie Stiles, whose scoring and perimeter shooting made her the focal point of the offense, while Sophia Witherspoon provided experienced frontcourt production and rebounding. Linda Fröhlich and Vanessa Nygaard contributed complementary scoring and floor spacing, giving the Fire a balanced backcourt-oriented attack. Although the team moved the ball effectively, inconsistent defense and rebounding limited its overall success.
Worked as Portland’s featured scorer, constantly running defenders through screens before creating her own jumper when possessions stalled. Independent coverage throughout the season emphasized her fearless shot-making and the heavy offensive burden she carried as a rookie.
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2001); WNBA All-Star (2001); All-WNBA Second Team (2001); WNBA All-Rookie Team (2001)
Sylvia Crawley
Starter/Star (1.1)
28.8
Medium (1.1)
9.3
6.3
1.7
1.4
45.98
Anchored the interior with rebounding, rim protection and physical post play rather than high-volume scoring. Contemporary reporting regularly credited her energy and willingness to handle the toughest frontcourt assignments.
Sophia Witherspoon
Starter/Star (1.1)
27.8
Medium (1.1)
12.0
2.4
1.7
1.3
41.62
Shifted into a veteran complementary scoring role, supplying perimeter shooting while mentoring a young backcourt. Season coverage often highlighted her professionalism despite Portland’s difficult campaign.
Kristin Folkl
Starter/Star (1.1)
26.9
Medium (1.1)
5.6
7.7
1.4
1.7
39.45
Made her biggest impact through rebounding and defensive positioning, consistently doing the dirty work around the basket. Independent reports frequently praised her versatility and willingness to battle larger post players.
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2001)
Tully Bevilaqua
Starter/Star (1.1)
25.4
Low (1.0)
4.9
2.8
3.3
2.1
28.82
Directed the offense with relentless defensive pressure and unselfish playmaking, often picking up opposing guards the length of the floor. Writers covering the Fire regularly pointed to her hustle and leadership as foundational qualities.
DeMya Walker
Bench (1.0)
14.1
Low (1.0)
5.4
2.8
0.5
0.9
19.20
Supplied productive reserve minutes by finishing inside and competing on the glass. Independent coverage described her as an energetic frontcourt option capable of changing the game’s physical tone.
Tamicha Jackson
Bench (1.0)
15.5
Low (1.0)
4.1
1.4
1.6
0.9
16.00
Filled a reserve guard role focused on defense and secondary ball handling. Contemporary reporting noted that her value came from steady perimeter pressure more than offensive production.
Stacey Thomas
Bench (1.0)
12.9
Low (1.0)
1.8
2.2
1.3
1.2
13.00
Accepted a reduced role while continuing to defend multiple positions and provide energy off the bench. Independent coverage remained complimentary of her defensive versatility despite limited offensive opportunities.
Carolyn Young
Bench (1.0)
12.1
Low (1.0)
4.8
1.5
0.7
0.6
15.20
Contributed as an experienced reserve wing, bringing steady decision-making whenever called upon. Contemporary independent reporting was limited because she filled a supporting role.
Alisa Burras
Bench (1.0)
10.5
Low (1.0)
4.1
2.3
0.4
0.3
14.20
Delivered efficient scoring around the rim in short frontcourt stints. Independent coverage highlighted her reliability finishing interior opportunities despite inconsistent minutes.
Vanessa Nygaard
Bench (1.0)
8.4
Low (1.0)
2.5
1.1
0.3
0.3
8.40
Played a limited specialist role as a floor-spacing wing. Independent reporting from the season was sparse because of her reduced workload.
Jenny Mowe
Bench (1.0)
3.4
Low (1.0)
1.2
0.6
0.0
0.2
4.00
Appeared only briefly in the frontcourt, leaving little opportunity to establish a regular role. Contemporary independent coverage was limited because of the small sample.
LaQuanda Barksdale
Bench (1.0)
7.0
Low (1.0)
0.4
1.2
0.8
0.4
5.60
Saw only limited action as a developmental guard. Independent season-specific coverage was minimal due to her brief appearances.
