Katie Smith helps the Washington Mystics to a 2-0 Start!

(Katie Smith)

5.15.2010 - Indiana Fever 65 vs Washington Mystics 72 (WNBA Opener)
-Katie Smith - 12 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 blks, 1 steal

5.16.2010 - Washington Mystics 87 at Minnesota Lynx 76
-Katie Smith - 16 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds!

The 2010 WNBA Season is kicking off earlier than usual in order to get a jump on preparation for the 2010 FIBA Women's World Championships in August (Czech Republic). 12 teams (1 new - Tulsa Shock) comprised of the best players from around the world will attempt to follow the Phoenix Mercury as the next WNBA Champions. Two former Ohio State Buckeyes are currently playing at the highest level of women's basketball, former All-America Jessica Davenport & future Hall Of Famer Katie Smith (currently the 3rd leading scorer in WNBA history)

After a successful stint with the now defunct Detroit Shock (2 Titles, 1 Finals MVP), veteran guard Katie Smith is playing perhaps her final season with the Washington Mystics, a young but talented squad that made it to the Eastern Conference Semis last year (capable of that & more this season). Smith & the Mystics have been called upon to play big minutes right out of the gate in the absence of their best player Alana Beard (ankle). The squad responded in admirable fashion with two back to back road victories over Indiana & Minnesota to open the season.

We got a chance to attend the the WNBA opener between Indiana & Washington at Conseco Saturday May 15th. We were also able to view a little bit of Minnesota game the next night on WNBA All-Access on WNBA.com - this feature is exactly like the futurecast player for thge D-league..a quick 2 minute free sign-up will give you access to the night's games.

It definitely did not take long to notice Washington's great talent & depth even without Beard. They have a decent 1-2 punch inside with the talented Crystal Langhorne & Nakia Sanford. At guard they currently start Katie Smith with Lindsay Harding, but the real start so far has been yet another Duke player Monique Currie, who is looking like the one of the top players in the league so far. In addition to the starters, Matee Ajavon, Marissa Coleman ,and Chassity Melvin provide excellent depth.

In examining Smith, we liken her to that of a head coach on the floor. The 35 year old oozes so much savvy and experience that just wears off on her teammates. She is always looking for the extra and or correct pass, and knows when to pick her spot for the shot or drive. Moreover, Katie is a constant communicator on the court..She talks during timeouts, in between timeouts, and walking to and from the bench. Smith is able to back up her leadership qualities with exemplary team first play (will do whatever it takes, was matched up against Tamika Catchings to open in the season in Indy) We saw her veteran poise up close when she nailed a dagger 4th quarter thee to stretch the lead to 12. In Minnesota the next night, it was #30's defense, in the form of 3 charges taken that would help Washington stay in the game before eventually pulling away.

We can definitely see this team making more noise in the East health permitting. The Mystics will play their home opener on Friday May 21 vs the New York Liberty (Watch on WNBA All-Access)

Jessica Davenport & the Indiana Fever raise their 2009 East Conference Championship banner before the opener vs Washington.