Monday, December 01, 2008

By DEBBIE ARRINGTON
THE SACRAMENTO BEE

last updated: September 18, 2008 05:06:52 AM

SACRAMENTO -- Sacramento Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek worked some miracles this season by keeping faith in her rookies.

Now with the loss of former All-Star forward and leading rebounder Rebekkah Brunson for the rest of the year, young post players Laura Harper and Crystal Kelly will be called upon even more.

In Brunson's absence, Kelly will start for the fifth time this season when the Monarchs host San Antonio in tonight's playoff opener at Arco Arena.

"Already, I've had a lot of experience," said Kelly, a 6-foot-2-inch forward out of Western Kentucky. "All of us rookies have had a lot of minutes. We're all doing it together."

Added Harper, a 6-5 center from Maryland: "I'm trying not to put any more pressure on myself. Crystal and I are just trying to have fun and play free. But without a player of (Brunson's) quality, we know each of us will have to do more."

As they prepared for a first-round rematch against No. 1 San Antonio, the Monarchs learned Wednesday that Brunson's right knee suffered another setback. Six weeks after she had surgery to repair torn cartilage, tests revealed more damaged cartilage. That intensified pain from a stress fracture in her lower right leg.

Brunson missed Saturday's penultimate regular-season game in San Antonio because of the pain. Team doctors in Sacramento diagnosed the damage late Tuesday after the Monarchs' return from Texas.

"It was a blow to the (team's) kidneys," Boucek said. "There's no way we can replace Bekki Brunson. She's a special player. We'll have to do it by committee."

That's how the Monarchs have coped all season as they've steadily improved amidst numerous injuries and the free-agency loss of former cornerstone Yolanda Griffith.

"Sacramento is absolutely amazing," said Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman in a conference call. "Jenny Boucek is among the best young coaches in this league. Her players would run through a wall for her."

Emblematic of the overachieving Monarchs are their 2008 rookies. Only Harper was a first-round pick. Kelly and guards A'Quonesia Franklin and Charel Allen were third-rounders. Boucek expects to use all four during the playoffs.

"They've continued to grow and develop their ability," Boucek said. "We've asked a lot of them, but they answer the challenge."

Harper was expected to excel. An All-American, she was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player during Maryland's 2006 championship.

"Honestly, I definitely expected to be here," Harper said. "When you have a team the quality of the Sacramento Monarchs, they're capable of making the playoffs every year. I feel lucky. I know a lot of other rookies who aren't as fortunate."

Kelly, who turned 22 on Monday, was picked up by Sacramento after Houston cut her in training camp.

"At that time, I was just hoping and praying I would get to play somewhere," Kelly said. "It's just a blessing to be here, but I never dreamed I would be starting in the playoffs."

• Comments
• Add Comment
• Disclaimer