Last Updated on September 1, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Sacramento Monarchs 2005 built their success around a balanced, defense-oriented lineup led by Yolanda Griffith’s interior presence, Rebekkah Brunson’s rebounding, and DeMya Walker’s efficient scoring. Ticha Penicheiro orchestrated the offense as the primary playmaker, while Nicole Powell added perimeter shooting and versatility. Strong rebounding, disciplined ball movement, and outstanding team defense defined the Monarchs, allowing them to thrive despite lacking a single dominant high-volume scorer.
Roster
| NO. | PLAYER NAME | POS. | HT. | WT. | BIRTH DATE | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Olympia Scott | C | 6-2 | 175 | May 5, 1976 | Stanford |
| 2 | Chelsea Newton | G | 5-11 | 154 | February 17, 1983 | Rutgers University |
| 4 | Kristin Haynie | G | 5-9 | 147 | June 17, 1983 | Michigan State |
| 8 | Miao Lijie | G | 5-11 | 154 | June 3, 1981 | |
| 9 | Hamchetou Maiga-Ba | F | 6-2 | 167 | April 25, 1978 | Old Dominion |
| 10 | Sui Feifei | G | 6-1 | 162 | January 29, 1979 | |
| 11 | Erin Perperoglou | F | 6-3 | 181 | June 5, 1979 | Master’s College |
| 14 | Nicole Powell | F | 6-2 | 170 | June 22, 1982 | Stanford |
| 20 | Kara Lawson | G | 5-9 | 150 | February 14, 1981 | Tennessee |
| 21 | Ticha Penicheiro | G | 5-11 | 146 | September 18, 1974 | Old Dominion |
| 22 | DeMya Walker | F | 6-3 | 191 | November 28, 1977 | Virginia |
| 32 | Rebekkah Brunson | F | 6-2 | 181 | December 11, 1981 | Georgetown |
| 33 | Yolanda Griffith | C-F | 6-4 | 175 | March 1, 1970 | Florida Atlantic University |
Regular Season Per Game
| PLAYER | POS | AGE | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolanda Griffith | — | 35 | 34 | 33 | 28.3 | 13.8 | 6.6 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 10.5 | 5.1 | .485 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | 5.1 | 3.6 | .707 |
| DeMya Walker | — | 27 | 22 | 19 | 27.2 | 14.1 | 5.3 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 3.1 | 10.6 | 5.7 | .534 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.000 | 4.2 | 2.7 | .645 |
| Nicole Powell | — | 23 | 34 | 34 | 29.1 | 10.7 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 9.3 | 3.5 | .379 | 4.7 | 1.9 | .415 | 2.1 | 1.7 | .806 |
| Rebekkah Brunson | — | 23 | 34 | 16 | 21.2 | 7.8 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 7.2 | 3.1 | .427 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | 2.7 | 1.6 | .598 |
| Ticha Penicheiro | — | 30 | 34 | 33 | 27.3 | 5.7 | 2.9 | 4.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 5.1 | 1.6 | .314 | 1.2 | 0.2 | .195 | 2.9 | 2.3 | .790 |
| Kara Lawson | — | 24 | 24 | 1 | 21.2 | 8.0 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 6.2 | 2.7 | .439 | 3.4 | 1.5 | .444 | 1.3 | 1.1 | .839 |
| Chelsea Newton | — | 22 | 34 | 34 | 21.0 | 4.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 4.4 | 1.8 | .403 | 0.7 | 0.2 | .240 | 1.1 | 0.6 | .611 |
| Hamchetou Maiga-Ba | — | 27 | 34 | 0 | 12.0 | 3.8 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 3.9 | 1.7 | .450 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | 1.0 | 0.3 | .314 |
| Erin Perperoglou | — | 26 | 23 | 0 | 9.1 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 1.2 | .700 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | 1.5 | 0.9 | .588 |
| Kristin Haynie | — | 22 | 30 | 0 | 14.5 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 3.9 | 1.3 | .342 | 1.1 | 0.2 | .156 | 0.8 | 0.6 | .826 |
| Olympia Scott | — | 29 | 18 | 0 | 9.4 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 0.8 | .359 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | 1.1 | 0.6 | .500 |
| Miao Lijie | — | 24 | 18 | 0 | 7.5 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | .300 | 1.1 | 0.3 | .300 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.000 |
| Sui Feifei | — | 26 | 5 | 0 | 4.8 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | .167 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.000 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.000 |
Playoff Per Game
| Player Name | Pos | Age | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FG | FG% | 3PA | 3P | 3P% | FTA | FT | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolanda Griffith | 35 | 8 | 8 | 30.8 | 17.3 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 13.5 | 6.6 | .491 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.6 | 4.0 | .711 | ||
| Kara Lawson | 24 | 8 | 2 | 26.0 | 11.3 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 8.4 | 3.6 | .433 | 3.6 | 1.9 | .517 | 2.3 | 2.1 | .944 | |
| Nicole Powell | 23 | 8 | 8 | 32.1 | 11.0 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 9.8 | 3.8 | .385 | 5.3 | 2.5 | .476 | 1.3 | 1.0 | .800 | |
| DeMya Walker | 27 | 6 | 0 | 27.5 | 10.2 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 2.8 | 8.7 | 4.3 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 | .750 | ||
| Rebekkah Brunson | 23 | 8 | 8 | 24.3 | 6.9 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 7.0 | 3.1 | .446 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 0.6 | .455 | ||
| Chelsea Newton | 22 | 8 | 8 | 22.8 | 5.8 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 5.3 | 2.3 | .429 | 0.5 | 0.3 | .500 | 1.5 | 1.0 | .667 | |
| Ticha Penicheiro | 30 | 6 | 6 | 27.0 | 5.3 | 4.0 | 5.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 5.2 | 1.7 | .323 | 0.7 | 0.0 | .000 | 2.5 | 2.0 | .800 | |
| Hamchetou Maiga-Ba | 27 | 8 | 0 | 10.3 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 1.6 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | .667 | ||
| Kristin Haynie | 22 | 8 | 0 | 12.9 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 0.9 | .368 | 0.1 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.8 | 0.5 | .667 | |
| Olympia Scott | 29 | 7 | 0 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.6 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | .500 |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Regular Season Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolanda Griffith | Starter/Star | 28.3 | High | 13.8 | 6.6 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 63.10 | Sacramento still built its identity around Griffith’s interior defense and physicality. Opposing coaches regularly planned around her presence in the paint, while Associated Press coverage throughout the season described her as the emotional leader of another Finals-bound Monarchs team. (seattlepi.com) | WNBA All-Star (2006); All-WNBA Second Team (2006); WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2006); Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| DeMya Walker | Starter/Star | 27.2 | High | 14.1 | 5.3 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 61.51 | Walker quietly became Sacramento’s most efficient interior scorer, giving the Monarchs another dependable option alongside Griffith. Her return from maternity leave restored toughness and frontcourt balance, something local and national coverage frequently identified as a major boost during the playoff push. (OurSports Central) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Nicole Powell | Starter/Star | 29.1 | High | 10.7 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 46.99 | Powell embraced the stretch-forward role that modernized Sacramento’s offense. Her outside shooting opened driving lanes for teammates, and during the Finals she showed she could erupt offensively when defenses collapsed on Griffith, earning praise for her confidence in big moments. (seattlepi.com) | Most Improved Player (2005); Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Rebekkah Brunson | Key Contributor | 21.2 | Medium | 7.8 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 34.65 | Brunson supplied relentless rebounding and energy off the bench before growing into a larger frontcourt role. Reporters covering Sacramento consistently pointed to her willingness to battle for second-chance opportunities and defend multiple interior matchups. (deseret.com) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Ticha Penicheiro | Starter/Star | 27.3 | Medium | 5.7 | 2.9 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 35.82 | Penicheiro remained the organizer of Sacramento’s offense, sacrificing scoring to keep teammates involved. Her tempo control and passing were repeatedly credited for helping the Monarchs rank among the league’s most disciplined teams despite several roster changes. (deseret.com) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Kara Lawson | Key Contributor | 21.2 | Medium | 8.0 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 26.80 | Lawson thrived as Sacramento’s instant-offense guard, spacing the floor with confident perimeter shooting. Her Game 1 Finals explosion against Detroit illustrated the scoring punch she could provide without disrupting the Monarchs’ balanced offensive structure. (seattlepi.com) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Chelsea Newton | Starter/Star | 21.0 | Low | 4.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 19.58 | Newton’s value extended well beyond her scoring. She routinely accepted the toughest perimeter defensive assignments, allowing Sacramento’s scorers to conserve energy while maintaining the aggressive defensive identity that defined the club. (Wikipedia) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Kristin Haynie | Bench | 14.5 | Low | 3.5 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 16.20 | Haynie settled into a reliable reserve point guard role, bringing defensive pressure and steady ball handling whenever Penicheiro rested. Coverage throughout the year highlighted her growing confidence directing the second unit. (OurSports Central) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Hamchetou Maiga-Ba | Bench | 12.0 | Low | 3.8 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 15.20 | Maiga-Ba filled an energy role on the wing, providing athletic defense and transition activity rather than high-volume scoring. Her versatility gave John Whisenant another dependable option in defensive lineups. (Wikipedia) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Erin Perperoglou | Bench | 9.1 | Low | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 12.20 | Limited independent coverage exists for Perperoglou’s individual season because she played a reserve role. When called upon, she provided efficient finishing around the basket and dependable frontcourt depth. | |
| Olympia Scott | Bench | 9.4 | Low | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 9.00 | Scott was used sparingly in the frontcourt rotation, with most contemporary reporting focusing on Sacramento’s established core. She primarily supplied size and experience in short relief appearances. | |
| Miao Lijie | Bench | 7.5 | Low | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 6.00 | Miao’s opportunities were limited during her first WNBA season, leaving relatively little independent game coverage. Sacramento viewed her as a developmental guard with international experience who could contribute in spot minutes. | |
| Sui Feifei | Bench | 4.8 | Low | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 4.40 | Feifei appeared only briefly, and contemporary reporting on her individual performances was scarce. Her roster spot nevertheless reflected Sacramento’s willingness to expand its international talent pipeline. | |
| Sacramento Monarchs Totals | 84.9 | 35.4 | 19.5 | 13.7 | The Monarchs reached the 2006 WNBA Finals behind another elite defensive system, balanced scoring and experienced leadership, finishing as Western Conference champions. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Playoff Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolanda Griffith | Starter/Star | 30.8 | High | 17.3 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 75.50 | Sacramento again leaned on Griffith as the centerpiece of its half-court offense and defensive backbone. Associated Press playoff coverage repeatedly highlighted how opponents struggled to match her physical interior play, while her leadership remained central to another deep postseason run. (Chron) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Nicole Powell | Starter/Star | 32.1 | High | 11.0 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 43.82 | Powell functioned as the Monarchs’ floor-spacing forward, stretching defenses with timely three-point shooting. During the Finals she ignited key scoring runs from the perimeter, giving Sacramento an offensive dimension that complemented its inside-first attack. (Wikipedia) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| DeMya Walker | Key Contributor | 27.5 | Medium | 10.2 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 39.50 | Walker’s versatility became especially valuable in the postseason. She defended multiple frontcourt matchups while handling extra playmaking responsibilities, allowing Sacramento to maintain offensive balance whenever defenses crowded Griffith. (Chron) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Ticha Penicheiro | Starter/Star | 27.0 | Medium | 5.3 | 4.0 | 5.2 | 1.2 | 37.99 | Rather than hunting shots, Penicheiro orchestrated nearly every half-court possession. Her passing and tempo control helped Sacramento produce crisp ball movement, including a franchise playoff-record 24 assists in the conference semifinals. (Chron) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Kara Lawson | Key Contributor | 26.0 | Medium | 11.3 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 42.50 | Lawson embraced the sixth-player scoring role and changed games with perimeter shooting. Her six three-pointers in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals established a Finals record and demonstrated how quickly she could swing momentum off the bench. (Wikipedia) | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Rebekkah Brunson | Starter/Star | 24.3 | Medium | 6.9 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 35.33 | Brunson supplied relentless rebounding and defensive energy, often doing the physical work that freed Sacramento’s veterans to stay aggressive. Her 14-point playoff performance against Houston reflected her growing importance within the rotation. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Chelsea Newton | Starter/Star | 22.8 | Low | 5.8 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 19.14 | Newton’s offensive numbers stayed modest, but her value came from perimeter defense and matchup flexibility. Sacramento consistently trusted her with difficult defensive assignments against opposing guards throughout the postseason. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Kristin Haynie | Bench | 12.9 | Low | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 12.20 | Haynie brought steady ball handling and defensive pressure in reserve minutes. While her postseason opportunities were limited, she provided reliable relief whenever Penicheiro rested and helped maintain Sacramento’s defensive intensity. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Hamchetou Maiga-Ba | Bench | 10.3 | Low | 3.8 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 13.80 | Maiga-Ba filled an athletic defensive role, supplying energy on the wing and helping Sacramento switch across multiple positions. Independent playoff coverage focused more on the core rotation, leaving relatively little player-specific reporting on her contributions. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |
| Olympia Scott | Bench | 5.4 | Low | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 6.20 | Scott appeared only in short reserve stretches, so contemporary postseason coverage was limited. Her role centered on experienced frontcourt depth behind Sacramento’s established playoff rotation. | |
| Sacramento Monarchs Totals | 75.2 | 31.8 | 22.8 | 10.1 | The Monarchs reached the 2006 WNBA Finals behind elite interior defense, disciplined ball movement and balanced scoring before finishing as Western Conference champions. | Western Conference Champion (2006) |