Mystics re-sign Hawkins, Hightower, Sanders

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Washington Mystics announced that they have Tianna Hawkins, LaToya Sanders, and Allison Hightower.

Hawkins has been with the team for four seasons, averaging 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. She was selected sixth overall in the 2013 draft by Seattle, after completing her college career at Maryland.

“Tianna has improved each year that she has been in Washington and we are confident that will continue,” head coach Mike Thibault said in the team’s press release. “She was a big part of our post rotation last season and she is working hard this off-season on adding more to her game. I look forward to a great season from Tianna this summer.”

Sanders missed the 2017 season after suffering a foot injury and has been with the Mystics since 2015. For her career, the UNC alum is averaging 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Thibault emphasized the help she adds to the Washington defense when talking about Sanders re-signing.

“It is great to have LaToya returning to the Mystics this season. The year off to have surgery and heal from her lingering injuries has allowed her to return to being the kind of player she expects of herself,” stated Thibault. “LaToya is one of the premier defenders in the WNBA and her veteran presence and leadership will be a welcome addition to our team.”

Hightower, a 2013 league All-Star, averaged 4.7 points per game and 1.1 assists per game in 11 games for the Mystics last season.

“Alley was a very welcome addition to our roster late last season,” Thibault said. “Even though she wasn’t back to 100 percent health, she gave us a much-needed boost as we made our playoff push. Her ability to play multiple guard spots at both ends of the floor and her veteran experience in big games was essential to our success.”