MYSTICS RE-SIGN SANDERS

Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault announced that the team has re-signed free agent forward LaToya Sanders. In 2018, Sanders averaged career-bests in points per game (10.2) and rebounds per game (6.2) and was second in the league in field goal percentage (60.7).

“LaToya Sanders was a huge key to our success last season,” said Thibault. “Not only was she second in the league in field goal percentage, she was one of the best players in the entire league on the defensive end of the court. Her professional demeanor and calmness on and off the court was a great example for our young players to follow. I am excited about coaching LaToya for several years to come.”

During the 2018 season, Sanders had numerous career highlights including setting a new Mystics postseason record in blocked shots with six and having a career game in a regular season game against the Seattle Storm on Aug. 9 where she was perfect with every shot she took. She went 6-for-6 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free throw line for a total of 17 points. During her first season with the Mystics in 2015, she recorded 48 blocks, ranking her second in franchise history for the most blocks in a season.

An alum of the University of North Carolina, Sanders was selected in the first round (13th overall) by the Phoenix Mercury during the 2008 WNBA draft and finished that season ranked fifth in blocked shots (1.52) and first in blocks per 40 minutes (4.66).

Thibault also announced the addition of Belgian basketball player Kim Mestdagh (Mess-dah) to the training camp roster.

Mestdagh attended the Colorado State University where she finished her collegiate career ranked fourth on the school’s scoring list and earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors. She has played internationally for France and Spain and has represented Belgium in Olympic competition. She is currently playing for Turkey-KBSL where she is averaging 14.5 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game.

“Kim Mestdagh was one of the great revelations of the past World Cup cycle,” stated Thibault. “Along with Emma Meesseman, Kim helped lead the Belgian National Team to its most successful finish in international competition. An all-around talent at guard, her ability to stretch the court with her perimeter shooting will be a big asset to our team.”