Despite another season of adversity, the Shock have managed to make a late-season push and clinch a postseason berth.
They've suffered injuries to veterans Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith and Plenette Pierson. Reserve center Kara Braxton was suspended for the 2009 season's first six games. They took all season to finalize their roster, including a coaching change following the resignation of Bill Laimbeer, Former Shock Head Coach.
Yet, the Shock have battled to secure a spot in the playoffs and could clinch homecourt advantage for the first round. They've had to do it without Pierson all season as well as Smith, who has missed the last six straight games. Pierson says she is prepared to return to the court for postseason play, but Smith's status is still up in the air. Should Smith be forced to miss additional time, expect the Shock to continue starting guard-forward Nikki Teasley, who recently signed with Detroit for the remainder of the season.
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Steve St-Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
