In a move that has taken the sports world by storm, the Indiana Fever has just made a blockbuster signing by bringing in WNBA superstar Kelsey Plum.

This announcement has sent shockwaves through the league, as Plum’s signing represents a bold new chapter for the Fever, a team that has been on the brink of greatness for some time but needed that one game-changer to take them to the next level.

Kelsey Plum, widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the WNBA, has officially signed with the Indiana Fever, marking a major shake-up in the league. Known for her scoring prowess, leadership, and clutch performances, Plum’s arrival is expected to provide the Fever with a much-needed boost both offensively and in terms of team culture.

The 5’8” guard, who was drafted first overall in 2017 by the San Antonio Stars, has quickly become one of the most respected players in the league. Plum’s skill set is unparalleled, with an ability to score from anywhere on the court, exceptional passing, and a knack for taking over games in key moments.

This acquisition immediately makes the Fever a much more formidable opponent, as Plum’s leadership will help elevate the team’s already promising roster.

The timing of this signing is nothing short of wild. Indiana had been rumored to be targeting a major player during the off-season, but few expected them to land someone of Kelsey Plum’s caliber.

For one, Plum has been a centerpiece of the Las Vegas Aces, who have dominated the league in recent years, making her departure from the team a shock to many. The fact that the Fever were able to pull off this acquisition speaks to their aggressive strategy to rebuild and retool for the future.

Plum’s move to the Fever is especially wild considering the Aces’ recent success and their tight-knit roster. As one of the league’s best players, Plum’s decision to leave a championship-contending team to join the Fever is a bold one, signaling her desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to lead a team that’s on the rise.

This is no small feat for Indiana, which has struggled to find sustained success in recent years but has the potential to make noise in the coming seasons with this new signing.

Kelsey Plum’s addition to the Fever roster will undoubtedly have a ripple effect. Not only does she bring a proven scoring threat, but her presence will also provide invaluable mentorship for younger players on the team. Her leadership and experience from playing in high-stakes games, including the Aces’ playoff runs and international competitions, will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.

Plum’s versatility as a guard allows her to fit into any offensive system seamlessly. Whether it’s running the point, creating her own shot, or setting up teammates, Plum has the basketball IQ and skill set to thrive in various roles.

Her ability to stretch the floor with her perimeter shooting, combined with her ability to drive and finish in traffic, makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Additionally, her fiery competitive spirit will bring an edge to the Fever that has been missing in previous seasons. The Fever have struggled to consistently compete with the league’s top teams, but with Plum now in the fold, that could very well change. Her leadership on both ends of the court will be essential in helping the Fever establish an identity of resilience and grit.

While the excitement in Indiana is palpable, the Aces are left to regroup after losing one of their key players. Plum has been instrumental in the Aces’ success, and her departure will leave a significant void on the roster.

The Aces are still one of the most talented teams in the league, but they will need to recalibrate and adjust to Plum’s absence. There’s no doubt that this signing will force the Aces to find new ways to compete at the highest level, and it may prompt them to make a few roster adjustments of their own.

With Kelsey Plum now on their side, the Indiana Fever are poised to be a serious contender in the WNBA. The team’s mix of young talent and veteran leadership, combined with Plum’s superstar ability, gives them a shot at competing with the league’s top teams. This signing is a statement that the Fever are committed to winning and are willing to make bold moves to do so.

The addition of Plum could also draw more attention to the Fever, helping them attract top-tier talent in future off-seasons. With Plum at the helm, the Fever are no longer just a rebuilding team—they are a force to be reckoned with. Fans in Indiana have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.

The Indiana Fever’s signing of Kelsey Plum is one of the most exciting moves the WNBA has seen in recent years. It’s a statement of intent from a team looking to elevate itself and build for the future.

With Plum’s scoring ability, leadership, and experience, the Fever are now equipped to compete at the highest level. This move is not only wild—it’s game-changing. The WNBA just got a lot more interesting.

Numbers are down as six schools failed to field varsity teams this season in Iowa

Dana Becker | 2 Hours Ago

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates in the final seconds of a second-round NCAA Tournament game between Iowa and West Virginia, Monday, March 25, 2024 at Carver Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. / Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Caitlin Clark and the WNBA feed off one another and take women’s basketball to another level, the trickle-down effect of the sport is not good.

Six schools in Iowa this winter did not field a varsity team, as the total number of players last year was down almost 40 percent, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

And it is not just Iowa that is suffering.

Nebraska has had a number of schools opt out of a varsity schedule. That includes Grand Island Senior High School, which is the third-largest in the state with over 2,600 students.

So while record-numbers tuned in during the WNBA last season to watch the likes of Clark and Angel Reese, kids are not trying to follow them as of right now.

We’ve seen the train coming,” former Grand Island mayor and soccer coach Jeremy Jensen told the AP. “I mean we’ve been sitting on the tracks forever. But frankly, people just didn’t want to do the heavy lifting that was required.”

Grand Island, located some 120 miles west of Omaha, had zero seniors or juniors go out for girls basketball.

Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, a school in Iowa, was one of the bigger programs to decide to not play this year. That left a senior and three-year starter, Elliot Ennis, without an opportunity to finish her high school career. Her mother, Elizabeth, was the head coach prior to the start of this past season.

According to a report by the AP, participation in girls high school basketball has dropped nearly 20 percent since Clark was born 22 years ago. It is currently behind volleyball, soccer and track and field in terms of most popular.

Those three sports have seen double-digit surges in terms of participation, meaning there is not a lack of girls in the schools; they just don’t to play basketball.

We previously reported that there could be one key reason for that. The margin of victory in Iowa has a lopsided number in several classes, leaving players to stand out on the court in front of friends and family was being almost embarrassed.

“If you’re Grand Island going into Omaha facing some kids that are going to go D1 and you can only keep up with them for the first half of the first quarter, would you want to play longer?” said Jim Ward, who watched every member of his oldest daughter’s middle school team quit basketball in high school in Grand Island.