We Got Next!!! The Women's National Basketball Association


Roncalli
Port Saunders, Newfoundland

By Lori O. (Grade 12)

Women have fought for decades for the right to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The furthest a women had ever progressed was to a pre-season camp. Finally, on June 21st, 1997 many women had their dream come true, the first tip-off of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Now women didn't have to travel all over the world to play a sport they loved. They could play in their own country in a league which was nationally recognized.

Many people thought that having this league was a waste of money. They didn't think women's basketball would get enough support. Others supported the WNBA 100 percent. Those who thought the league was a joke were proved wrong. The WNBA is well through its first season and the turnouts for games have been unbelievable.

SNN interviewed some Newfoundland teenagers to find out what they think of the WNBA. Russ Jackson, a resident of Gander, said "I think it's awesome!". An avid watcher, he feels that the league is good for basketball in general. Mr.Jackson thinks it's about time women were given a chance to play in a professional league.

Christy House, a student from Port Saunders, Newfoundland and a member of her high-school basketball team, thinks this is the best thing that has ever happened to women's basketball. "Some of those women are playing better than most men ever could," Ms. House said. She feels that there should be more opportunities for women to play other sports professionally.

Dawn Beaudoin, also a junior high school student from Port Saunders, said: "The WNBA is some of the best basketball I've ever seen." Dawn feels that this is a great opportunity for women to play basketball. Ms.Beaudoin hopes that one day women and men will get a chance to play together.

The WNBA Championship game is scheduled for August 30th. Supporters hope that the league will return again next year, with a longer season and more competitive basketball.


Here Rebecca Lobo of the New York Liberty drives the lane . Lobo is one of the leagues leaders in points.















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