HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

Hi Hoops Fans!

We want to start by wishing everyone a happy and enlightened Black History Month!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Black History Month dates back as far as 1926 when Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week”

• In 1976, President Gerald Ford established Black History Month

At Black Rosie Media, we believe every day is an opportunity to learn about United States history through the eyes of communities who oft contribute the most to our society with the least fanfare.

As important as “Black firsts” are, history is measured by impact. I want Black Rosie Media to be a beacon of light for comprehensive news on women’s basketball past, present, and future.

To that end, I’d like to introduce you to Luisa “Lucy” Harris, the main subject of the 2022 Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Queen of Basketball’ by The New York Times.

Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neil were among the executive directors who helped make the documentary possible. O’Neil, director Ben Proudfoot, and Harris’ daughter Crystal Washington participated in a virtual Q&A one week after Lucy’s passing to discuss the film.

Finally, we know a lot is happening with the WNBA free agency, so expect a separate newsletter with the latest news.

With love,

Erica L. Ayala, Head Black Rosie in Charge (HBIC)

WHAT WE’RE READING!

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in women’s basketball.

Here’s what we’re reading:

• I’ve covered hundreds of pro basketball games. Unrivaled was unlike any other. by Noa Dalzell for Breakaway

• 2025 WNBA Free Agency: How Courtney Vandersloot can elevate the Chicago Sky—especially Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso by Zachary Draves for Swish Appeal

• No. 1 UCLA Bruins, No. 4 USC Trojans on track for LA-based battle for Big Ten supremacy by Edwin Garcia for Swish Appeal

• Where do the New York Liberty stand after free agency signing day? by Jackie Powell for The Next

• Madison Keys’ Mental Shift Leads to Grand Slam Glory by Shlomo Sprung for Boardroom

• Beyoncé's Album Cover Makes Complete Sense to Black Texans by Taylor Crumpton for Bloomberg

🦉 HOOTY-HOO! LUNAR OWLS UNDEFEATED

Napheesa Collier and Lunar Owls BC remain at the top of the standings after defeating Laces BC on Friday. The Laces have now dropped their first two games, meaning the Owls have separation at the top of the table.

After what looked like a promising start, Vinyl BC is now on a four-game skid. The top four teams will make the playoffs in March. Who will be in, and who will be out?

Here are the current Unrivaled standings:

Key Performers:

• Once again, Napheesa Collier leads in points and rebounds. Her Minnesota Lynx teammate Kayla McBride is the only player within five points of Phee’s league-leading scoring average.

ONE MORE THING!
Unrivaled has released the 1-on-1 Tournament Bracket. Surprisingly, neither Collier nor McBride were given a first-round bye. Instead, Jewell Loyd and Arike Ogunbowale have byes.

The total prize pool for the tournament is $350,000. The champion will take home $200,000 and earn $10,000 each for their Unrivaled clubmates. The tournament runner-up will pocket $50,000, and the two semi-finalists who do not advance will earn $25,000