The Sacramento Monarchs 2007 combined balanced scoring with one of the league’s stronger defenses, relying on Rebekkah Brunson’s rebounding and interior presence, Kara Lawson’s perimeter scoring and playmaking, and Ticha Penicheiro’s ball distribution to drive the offense. Yolanda Griffith and DeMya Walker added experienced frontcourt production, giving the Monarchs a physical, defense-first identity, although inconsistent shooting efficiency limited their overall offensive output.
Sacramento increasingly relied on Brunson’s relentless work around the rim as she emerged from complementary forward to foundational frontcourt piece. Independent coverage frequently highlighted her offensive rebounding, physical defense and nonstop motor as key reasons the Monarchs remained one of the league’s toughest interior teams. (WNBA)
WNBA All-Star (2007)
Nicole Powell
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.0
High (1.2)
12.8
5.6
1.7
1.8
57.02
Powell functioned as Sacramento’s primary scoring option, stretching defenses from the forward spot while also carrying a heavier offensive workload than in previous years. Her 28-point performance against Washington reflected the confidence the Monarchs had in her late-season shot creation. (washingtonpost.com)
WNBA All-Star (2007)
Kara Lawson
Key Contributor (1.05)
22.8
High (1.2)
11.0
2.4
2.0
1.1
41.58
Coming off the bench didn’t reduce Lawson’s offensive importance. She supplied instant perimeter scoring and secondary playmaking, giving Sacramento another creator whenever opposing defenses loaded up on Powell and the frontcourt. (Basketball Reference)
Yolanda Griffith
Starter/Star (1.1)
23.1
Medium (1.1)
9.0
4.6
1.5
1.4
39.20
Even in the later stage of her career, Griffith remained the emotional leader of Sacramento’s defense. Reporters continued to note her communication, positioning and physical interior play, qualities that extended well beyond her individual box-score production. (WNBA)
Ticha Penicheiro
Starter/Star (1.1)
23.7
Medium (1.1)
5.7
2.6
4.5
1.5
34.36
Penicheiro’s value came through organization rather than scoring. She dictated pace, created passing angles and kept Sacramento’s offense connected, with teammates continuing to rely on her vision despite an inefficient shooting season.
WNBA All-Star (2007)
DeMya Walker
Key Contributor (1.05)
21.0
Medium (1.1)
8.8
5.0
1.2
1.2
37.42
Injuries limited Walker’s availability, but when healthy she provided the physical interior scoring and veteran toughness Sacramento had counted on for years. Limited independent coverage reflected her abbreviated season rather than her importance to the rotation.
Adrian Williams-Strong
Key Contributor (1.05)
17.9
Low (1.0)
6.2
4.5
0.8
0.8
25.83
Williams-Strong quietly strengthened the second unit with efficient finishing, rebounding and dependable post defense. Coaches regularly trusted her to absorb difficult frontcourt assignments without requiring offensive touches.
Chelsea Newton
Starter/Star (1.1)
20.5
Low (1.0)
6.4
1.8
1.4
1.1
23.76
Newton embraced the difficult perimeter defensive matchups every night. Her offensive role stayed modest, but her willingness to defend opposing guards and wings remained central to Sacramento’s identity.
WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2007)
Scholanda Dorrell
Bench (1.0)
15.4
Low (1.0)
5.8
1.4
0.9
1.4
19.00
Dorrell carved out reserve minutes with energetic wing defense and improved confidence attacking open space. Independent reporting remained limited, though she was regularly viewed as a dependable depth contributor.
Kristin Haynie
Bench (1.0)
16.0
Low (1.0)
3.7
1.1
2.1
0.7
15.20
Haynie continued serving as Sacramento’s reserve floor general, emphasizing ball movement and defensive pressure over scoring. Her ability to steady the second unit helped preserve the team’s structured style.
La’Tangela Atkinson
Bench (1.0)
8.1
Low (1.0)
2.1
1.6
0.5
0.6
9.60
The rookie forward was used in short bursts to provide athleticism and defensive energy. Contemporary independent reporting on her season was limited because she remained outside the regular rotation.
Linda Frohlich
Bench (1.0)
5.1
Low (1.0)
1.4
0.9
0.2
0.2
5.40
Frohlich appeared sparingly while Sacramento leaned heavily on its established frontcourt. Limited independent season coverage was available due to her small role.
Kim Smith
Bench (1.0)
2.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
1.40
Smith made only brief appearances before falling out of the regular rotation. Independent contemporary reporting was minimal because of her extremely limited playing time.
Sacramento leaned heavily on Brunson’s relentless interior play throughout the series. Her offensive rebounding, efficient finishing and willingness to battle in traffic kept the Monarchs competitive, with postseason coverage regularly pointing to her energy as one of the team’s biggest advantages. (Basketball Reference)
Nicole Powell
Starter/Star (1.1)
26.7
High (1.2)
15.3
5.7
1.7
1.6
64.42
Powell carried much of the perimeter scoring burden, attacking mismatches while spacing the floor. Her 20-point effort in the deciding Game 3 reflected how frequently Sacramento turned to her when the offense needed a spark. (Basketball Reference)
Kara Lawson
Key Contributor (1.05)
25.0
High (1.2)
12.3
2.3
3.0
1.7
48.38
Working as the sixth woman, Lawson supplied instant offense and secondary playmaking. Her shot-making off the bench repeatedly shifted momentum, while her ability to play on or off the ball gave Sacramento valuable lineup flexibility during the series. (Basketball Reference)
Yolanda Griffith
Starter/Star (1.1)
23.7
Medium (1.1)
8.7
6.0
0.3
1.0
38.72
Griffith remained the defensive backbone despite a reduced offensive role. Her physical interior defense and veteran communication continued to anchor Sacramento whenever the game slowed into half-court possessions.
Ticha Penicheiro
Starter/Star (1.1)
23.0
Medium (1.1)
6.0
2.3
5.0
2.3
37.27
Penicheiro focused on organizing the offense rather than looking for her own shot. Even with inefficient shooting, she controlled tempo, created passing opportunities and remained the Monarchs’ primary table-setter throughout the series.
Adrian Williams-Strong
Bench (1.0)
16.7
Low (1.0)
4.7
5.3
0.7
0.6
22.60
Williams-Strong filled an important reserve frontcourt role, providing rebounding and physical post defense whenever Sacramento rotated its veteran bigs. Contemporary independent playoff coverage of her contributions was limited because of her complementary role.
Kristin Haynie
Bench (1.0)
16.7
Low (1.0)
5.7
1.7
2.0
0.6
20.00
Haynie gave the second unit steady ball handling and dependable decision-making. Her role centered on maintaining structure and limiting mistakes rather than creating offense for herself.
Chelsea Newton
Starter/Star (1.1)
15.3
Low (1.0)
3.0
2.3
1.0
2.0
18.04
Newton accepted the toughest perimeter defensive assignments and brought her usual intensity despite a quiet offensive series. Her defensive activity remained more influential than her scoring numbers suggested.
Linda Frohlich
Bench (1.0)
8.0
Low (1.0)
3.0
1.0
0.0
1.0
10.00
Frohlich appeared only briefly off the bench. Limited contemporary independent playoff coverage was available because she played a very small supporting role.
La’Tangela Atkinson
Bench (1.0)
3.5
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
1.00
Atkinson saw only limited reserve minutes during the series. Independent postseason reporting on her role was minimal due to her brief appearances.
