TERRY MOSHER

TOP OF THE TOWN ‑ I have a good sense about people and Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn doesn’t feel right. She is probably a good person and a good coach, but I don’t feel it is a good fit for the Storm. The Storm suffered a rare blowout at home Friday (June 3) when the Dallas Wings stomped on them 68-51. It’s not unusual for the Storm to score that many points in a half. Yeah, I know the Storm was without starting guard Sue Bird, a surefire future hall of fame, and follow starter Ezi Magbegor, who missed their straight consecutive game because of  COVID-19 protocol. That’s another thing. More  than any other WNBA team, the Storm has been decimated by the virus.  I don’t know what is going on with that, but it’s been a major problem and is part of the reason why the Storm is 5-4.  But mainly I don’t see the impact of Quinn on the team. I knew when Dan Hughes was coaching the team. When he made a move during a game, I knew it. You could see the game change. Watch the Las Vegas Aces and you will see what I mean. Beck Hammon, who was an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, became the highest paid coach in the WNBA when she took the job, which also includes being he general manager. She’s got the Aces playing fast and aggressive and off to a 9-2 record, the best in the league. Hammon’s stamp is all over the aces, and they are favored to win the WNBA championship. Maybe when the Storm finally has all its players back Quinn will show she is in the same league as Hammon. I doubt it, and I believe the Storm will struggle to make the playoffs. I also believe this will be the last year of Breanna Stewart, one of the best players in the league. This is Sue Bird’s last year and when the gong finally rings on the season I believe not only Bird, but Stewart will fly away. Stewart will likely sign with the New York Liberty, which tried to entice her this past off-season. One of the top reasons for Stewart to sign with the Liberty is she played high school ball at Cicero-North Syracuse in Cicero, NY and will be back home. So enjoy Stewart while you can. Bird, too, for that matter. …I think we are headed for a downer fall season for our regions big-time sports teams. The Washington Huskies football  team will be lucky to win six games, the Seattle Seahawks are undergoing a rebuild, no matter what coach Pete Carroll tells us, and the Seattle Mariners just can’t match the top tier teams in the American League. I have always thought that a cost-conscious baseball franchise could compete against baseball’s blue bloods, the Yankees and Red Sox, in the American League. Now I’m not so sure. We’ll know for sure when Mitch Haniger and Kyle Lewis are playing full time again and when Ken “100 miles” Giles is ready to join the bullpen. Giles has been recovering from Tommy John surgery and a right finder sprain. When the Mariners are finally at full strength and continue to lose, you know it’s time to break out the fishing rod and head for a good river. In the meantime, stay safe.

Be well pal.

Be careful out there.

Have a great day.

You are loved.