Two Sparks Join All-Stars; Host Mercury Shut Out

The Sparks’ DeLisha Milton and Mwadi Mabika were added to the WNBA’s West All-Star team Wednesday.

Milton is averaging 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, Mabika 14.3 and 5.4. They join teammate Lisa Leslie, voted a starter in fan balloting. The All-Star game is Monday in Phoenix, but there will be no Mercury representatives on the West team.

“It’s an absolute travesty,” Phoenix Coach Cheryl Miller told the Associated Press. “How do you not vote in a Brandy Reed? How do you not have an all-star when you are hosting the game?”

Reserves were chosen by a vote of WNBA coaches. Reed leads Phoenix (12-6) in scoring (16.8), rebounding (5.7) and steals (2.4).

West reserves are: Yolanda Griffith (Sacramento), Betty Lennox and Katie Smith (Minnesota), Natalie Williams (Utah); Milton and Mabika.

East reserves are: Shannon Johnson (Orlando), Merlakia Jones (Cleveland), Wendy Palmer (Detroit), Tari Phillips (New York), Nykesha Sales (Orlando), Andrea Stinson (Charlotte).