Create your own site

Headlines

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sparks sign ex-Garfield great

By RON GUILD, Sports Editor 13.MAR.08

Since the completion of a stellar basketball career at Garfield High School, Brisa Silva has seen the sport take her a long way.

It took the point guard to Central Arizona Community College where she led her team to the national championship while earning third-team All-American honors. It took her to Oklahoma State where she led the Big 12 school in three-point shooting and assists.

It also took her outside the country where she starred for Mexico’s national team at the Pan American Games last year.

Now it’s taken her back home.

By signing a contract recently with the L.A. Sparks, she makes history by becoming the first Mexican national to play in the WNBA.

Silva and Israeli point guard Liron Cohen, who starred in the Spanish League this winter, were both signed by the Sparks. Terms were not disclosed.

“I have always dreamed of playing for the Sparks,” Silva, who turns 24 Friday, said. “It’s true that hard work pays off. I’m excited to have the opportunity to show (coach) Michael Cooper my skills and be in camp with good role models like Lisa Leslie, Sidney Spencer and Temeka Johnson.”

Cooper likes the addition of Silva.

“It is a very pleasant surprise to be able to bring Brisa on board,” he said. “She is a good basketball player with good international experience and a skilled point guard that we could use on our team.”

The 5-foot-6 Silva, who was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and grew up in East L.A., earned first-team All-City and second-team all-state honors at Garfield. She had her uniform number retired this season in ceremonies at the school.

Cohen gives the Sparks another versatile backcourt player, according to general manager Penny Toler.

“She is very talented and gifted enough to play both guard positions,” Toler said.

Cohen, MVP of the Spanish Queen’s Cup tournament after leading Leon to the finals for the first time and a member of the Israeli national team, is happy to be joining the WNBA club.

“This is a big opportunity,” she said. “I feel flattered that the Sparks have given me this opportunity. I hope that it will be a great summer for the team and me as well.”

The Sparks open the season May 17 at Phoenix. They face the Mercury again in their home opener June 6 at Staples Center.

Three-time league MVP Leslie, the USC and Morningside High product, continues to lead the team. She has been with the Sparks since their inception 12 years ago.