sparks Snag Sarah Ashlee Barker with Ninth Pick in WNBA Draft
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Sparks selected Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker with the No. 9 overall pick in the WNBA Draft on Monday, fulfilling a long-held ambition for the team.
barker was a target for the Sparks in last year’s draft but chose to return to Alabama for another season. The Sparks’ interest never wavered, and they were thrilled to secure her services this year.
Sparks Prioritize Barker’s Versatility and Tenacity
First-year Sparks coach Lynne Roberts emphasized Barker’s value to the team,stating,”She’s who we wanted going into this ninth pick… So we were fired up when we were finally on the clock and we knew we were able to get whom we really wanted.”
General Manager Raegan Pebley highlighted Barker’s character and skill set. ”we were able to watch her quite a bit last year, and I thought she made a bit of a risky decision, but she went for it,” Pebley said, referring to Barker’s return to college. “I thought having mentioned that something about the gutsiness of her. So we were watching her from the get-go of the season.”
Barker’s Path to the WNBA
Barker’s decision to delay her WNBA entry to play another year at Alabama demonstrated her dedication and provided the Sparks ample possibility to further evaluate her progress. the Sparks clearly valued what they saw, ensuring they didn’t miss the chance to add the shooting guard to their roster this time around.
Sparks Bolster Roster with Standout Guard and Strategic Draft Picks
The Los Angeles Sparks have strategically enhanced their roster, securing a dynamic guard through the draft and adding depth with savvy selections. This infusion of talent aims to reshape the team’s identity after a challenging season, setting the stage for a promising future.
Alabama Star Lands in Los Angeles
The sparks’ acquisition of a standout guard from alabama has been lauded as a significant boost for the team. The 23-year-old guard is coming off a career-best season where she averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, earning consecutive All-SEC first-team honors. She led Alabama to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
NCAA Tournament Performance Raises Profile
Her performance in the NCAA Tournament significantly raised her profile. In a double-overtime loss to Maryland, she scored 45 points, setting a new single-game scoring record for Alabama. With seconds remaining she sank three free throws, forcing a second overtime.
Draft Strategy Complements Key Acquisition
The selection of the Alabama guard complements the Sparks’ earlier acquisition of all-Star Kelsey Plum.The Sparks traded their No. 2 selection in this year’s draft to Seattle as part of a three-team trade to acquire Plum from Las Vegas. The strategy adds depth to the backcourt, potentially pairing the newly drafted guard with plum, who is expected to handle more point guard duties while mentoring the rookie at shooting guard.
Unexpected Talent available late in Draft
the Sparks were surprised by the level of talent still available late in the draft. Notably, their second-round pick, South Carolina’s Sania Feagin, was a player they had scouted and admired.
Frontcourt Strengthened with Strategic Pick
Feagin, a 6-foot-3 forward, strengthens the Sparks’ frontcourt rotation, adding depth at center.This addition is notably valuable as Cameron Brink recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Los Angeles Sparks Secure Talented Rookies in WNBA Draft, Aiming for Rebuild
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks are strategically rebuilding their roster after a disappointing 2023 season, making key selections in the recent WNBA draft to bolster their team with fresh talent.
Sparks Add Promising Players to Roster
With the No. 2 overall pick, the sparks selected Cameron Brink, a highly touted forward from Stanford. Brink is expected to make an immediate impact with her defensive prowess and versatile offensive game.
The Sparks also drafted Rickea Jackson, forward from Tennessee, with the fourth overall pick.
Rebuilding for the Future
The Sparks are looking to improve upon their performance in the upcoming season. These draft picks represent a commitment to building a competitive team for the future. The organization hopes their new additions can contribute significantly.
Los Angeles Sparks Secure promising Talent in 2025 WNBA Draft
Aiming for a playoff push, the Sparks select Cameron Brink, Sania Feagin, and Liatu King
LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2025) – The Los Angeles Sparks are looking to revitalize their roster and climb back into playoff contention after a last-place finish. They’ve made strategic selections in the 2025 WNBA Draft,adding key pieces they believe will contribute to a significant culture shift.
Sparks Draft Stanford Standout Cameron Brink,Defensive Force Sania Feagin
With the second overall pick,the Sparks selected Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron brink. Shortly after, acquired the rights to the No. 12 pick, selecting guard/forward Mackenzie Holmes. Both players are anticipated to make immediate impacts.
Feagin Brings Defensive Prowess to Los Angeles
The Sparks continued to bolster their roster by selecting South Carolina’s Sania Feagin with the 21st overall pick. Feagin, known for her extraordinary wingspan, earned All-SEC defensive honors after averaging 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.Her contributions were vital to the Gamecocks’ journey to the national championship game.
Notre Dame’s Liatu King Completes Sparks’ Draft Haul
Rounding out their draft, the Sparks picked Notre Dame forward Liatu King with the No. 28 pick. King, a Second team All-ACC selection, started all 33 games for the Fighting Irish. She averaged a double-double with 11.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.
“[Liatu] is just scratching the surface of what she can accomplish at the professional level,” said sparks Head Coach, Pebley. “She is an efficient shooter,excellent rebounder and a tenacious defender. Her motor and explosiveness fit the identity of our team.”
Building a new Culture in Los angeles
the Sparks’ front office sees the addition of Brink, Feagin, and King as a crucial step in the team’s evolution.The vision is to bring players who align with the team’s aspirations of moving from a struggling team to a legitimate playoff contender, especially with the addition of veteran guard Kelsey Plum.
“Kelsey Plum coming into our organization was not just about how Kelsey plays on the court, but how she prepares herself to play on the court,” Pebley said. “This whole organization is going to rise to her level, and we wanted to bring in people who could reflect that as well. So those were three key pieces that were vital to us culturally.”
The Sparks believe this draft class embodies the team’s past, present, and future, solidifying their belief that they “won the draft.”
Rising Demand Drives Up Avocado Prices
Consumers are facing higher prices for avocados as increased demand strains supply, according to recent reports. The cost of avocados has surged in recent weeks, impacting both retailers and consumers.
What’s Driving the Avocado Price Hike?
The confluence of increased demand and existing supply chain pressures are the primary drivers behind the rising avocado prices. As popularity for avocados continues to grow, the market is struggling to keep pace.
Expert Insights on Market Trends
Experts predict that market conditions will continue to influence avocado prices in the coming months. Consumers should anticipate price fluctuations as the industry adapts to the ongoing demand.
Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, suitable for the provided content:
Los Angeles Sparks 2025 WNBA Draft: Q&A
Key Takeaways
- The Los Angeles Sparks are rebuilding their roster after a disappointing 2023 season [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
- The Sparks selected Sarah Ashlee Barker with the ninth pick in the WNBA draft, fulfilling a long-held ambition for the team.
- The team is also focused on adding talent through the draft, including Cameron Brink, Sania Feagin, Mackenzie Holmes, and Liatu King.
- Strategic acquisitions like Kelsey Plum are expected to play a key role in the teamS rebuild.
Q&A
Who is Sarah Ashlee Barker, and why is she important to the Sparks?
Sarah Ashlee Barker is an Alabama guard selected by the Sparks with the ninth overall pick. The Sparks had targeted her in the previous draft but she returned to Alabama for another season. Her versatility and tenacity are highly valued by the team [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
What other players did the Sparks draft in 2025, and what roles are they expected to play?
- Cameron Brink: A highly touted forward from Stanford, expected to make an immediate impact with her defensive prowess and versatile offensive game [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
- Sania Feagin: A forward from South Carolina, known for her defensive skills.
- Mackenzie Holmes: Guard/forward, acquired via trade.
- Liatu King: A forward from Notre Dame, known for being an efficient shooter, rebounder, and tenacious defender.
How is the addition of Kelsey Plum impacting the team?
the Sparks acquired Kelsey Plum to add depth to the backcourt, and she is expected to handle point guard duties while mentoring younger players. She is seen as a key player to elevate the whole organization [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
What is the Sparks’ overall draft strategy?
The Sparks are strategically rebuilding their roster to improve their performance and aim for a playoff push. They are focused on adding players who align with the team’s aspirations of becoming a legitimate playoff contender [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
What is the significance of the Sparks’ 2025 draft class?
The Sparks believe this draft class embodies the team’s past, present, and future, solidifying their belief that they “won the draft” [[1](https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-2025-wnba-draft-perfect-fits)].
In Conclusion
The Los angeles Sparks are making strategic moves to build a competitive team for the future, and the 2025 draft class is a crucial step in this process.Keep an eye on the Sparks as they aim to revitalize their performance and make a playoff push!
