Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Utah Starzz struggled to generate consistent offense during their inaugural 1997 season, relying on Wendy Palmer as the primary scorer and rebounder while Elena Baranova emerged as a versatile frontcourt contributor. Tammi Reiss led the backcourt playmaking, but inefficient shooting limited the attack despite strong rebounding and shot-blocking. Defensive lapses and difficulty containing opponents ultimately overshadowed the team’s interior strengths.

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

PLAYER NAME ROLE TIER MPG USAGE TIER PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) IMPACT INDEX NOTES AWARDS
Wendy Palmer Starter/Star (1.1) 33.4 High (1.2) 15.8 8.0 1.7 1.9 72.86 Served as Utah’s primary offensive option from opening night, attacking the paint while carrying a heavy scoring burden for an expansion club. Local coverage frequently compared her importance to Karl Malone’s role with the Jazz, and she finished the year with several standout scoring performances despite constant defensive attention. (deseret.com) All-WNBA Second Team (1997)
Elena Baranova Starter/Star (1.1) 32.6 High (1.2) 12.2 7.4 2.2 3.8 67.16 Functioned as one of the league’s most unique frontcourt players, protecting the rim while stretching defenses with perimeter shooting. Independent reports highlighted her recent World Championship MVP performance and viewed her as the defensive anchor around whom Utah hoped to build. (deseret.com) WNBA Blocks Leader (1997); WNBA Blocks Per Game Leader (1997)
Tammi Reiss Starter/Star (1.1) 29.7 Medium (1.1) 7.7 2.8 3.1 0.9 35.82 Operated as Utah’s lead guard, responsible for organizing an inexperienced offense while spacing the floor from the perimeter. Preseason reporting noted visible improvement in her outside shooting after an extensive offseason focused on becoming a more reliable scoring threat. (deseret.com)
Kim Williams Key Contributor (1.05) 21.7 Medium (1.1) 8.1 2.9 2.1 1.7 34.70 Brought quickness and instant offense off the perimeter, giving the Starzz an athletic change of pace in the backcourt. Independent previews consistently pointed to her speed as one of Utah’s few advantages against established teams. (deseret.com)
Lady Grooms Starter/Star (1.1) 24.7 Medium (1.1) 5.5 3.0 2.4 0.9 28.08 Filled a steady backcourt role by defending opposing guards and initiating offense when needed, even though her scoring remained secondary. Contemporary reporting often emphasized Utah’s reliance on experienced guards to stabilize an expansion roster.
Dena Head Bench (1.0) 17.4 Low (1.0) 5.7 2.3 1.7 0.8 21.00 Provided veteran depth at guard and frequently handled secondary playmaking duties. Local previews described her as one of the club’s most experienced players and an important locker-room presence during the inaugural season.
Greta Koss Key Contributor (1.05) 20.6 Low (1.0) 3.4 2.8 0.8 1.0 16.80 Earned meaningful rotation minutes through activity and effort rather than offensive volume. Preseason coverage praised the progress she made after developing with the franchise before becoming a regular contributor.
Deborah Carter Bench (1.0) 15.9 Low (1.0) 3.9 2.7 0.4 0.8 15.60 Worked as a reserve forward who supplied physical minutes around the basket whenever Utah needed additional frontcourt depth. Contemporary independent reporting on her individual season was limited. (deseret.com)
Karen Booker Bench (1.0) 12.3 Low (1.0) 2.3 3.1 0.9 1.5 15.60 Filled a reserve interior role built around rebounding and defensive positioning instead of scoring opportunities. Limited contemporary independent coverage was available for her individual contributions.
Jessie Hicks Bench (1.0) 10.1 Low (1.0) 3.2 1.4 0.4 0.9 11.80 Supplied short reserve minutes in Utah’s inaugural season, providing energy and efficient finishing around the basket when called upon. Limited contemporary independent reporting was available.
Raegan Pebley Bench (1.0) 5.4 Low (1.0) 1.5 0.9 0.1 0.5 6.00 Appeared sparingly as a developmental rookie guard while Utah relied heavily on its veteran backcourt. Limited contemporary independent coverage was available.
Megan Compain Bench (1.0) 3.8 Low (1.0) 1.0 1.0 0.4 1.0 6.80 Saw only brief opportunities during the expansion season, primarily in developmental minutes. Contemporary independent reporting on her role was very limited.
TOTALS — 247.6 — 73.3 38.4 17.8 15.8 331.22 Utah’s inaugural WNBA season centered on the frontcourt pairing of Wendy Palmer and Elena Baranova, whose inside-out combination gave the expansion franchise a competitive foundation despite a 7-21 record and the expected growing pains that came with a first-year roster.