Laney makes debut in Liberty’s loss to Sky

Betnijah Laney was the Liberty’s offensive constant last season, partly out of necessity and because she’s just a bucket each time she’s has the ball. This year, Sandy Brondello expects her to continue her incredible play, but with a roster that includes a fully healthy Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Howard, there won’t be as much pressure on Laney.

“We still want B to be B, and being aggressive and being hard to guard, but knowing that she doesn’t have to carry the load,” the Liberty head coach said before the team’s 83-50 loss to the Sky in Chicago Wednesday. “B’s a good playmaker, she doesn’t have to just be a scorer,” Brondello continued. “She can be a facilitator, as well.”

Laney’s season tipped off Wednesday. The 6-0 forward was inactive with a right knee injury during the Liberty’s opening win against Connecticut. Laney, who was a starter Wednesday night, wasn’t on a minutes restriction, but Brondello kept an eye on her through the game.

“Obviously she hasn’t played. This is the first time she’s having a real game, so might be a little winded early,” Brondello said.

Laney played 31 minutes, scoring eight points (4-of-12 shooting), with four rebounds, six assists and three turnovers.

The 28-yearold had a stellar first year with the Liberty, averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2021.

The result was her first All-Star nod and an invitation to USA Basketball’s training camp in February, her first time back with Team USA since being invited to team trials for the World University Games in 2013. She also became the fourth player in league history to finish a season with those averages — the others are Cappie Pondexter (2009), Diana Taurasi (2013) and Candace Parker (2015).

Laney told Th News this offseason she’d torn her left meniscus at some point during last season, which she had offseason surgery to repair in November.