Photo Credit: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images – Excelle Sports

After an up and down first half, the Seattle Storm are preparing to host the 2017 Verizon WNBA All Star game at Key Arena. Seattle is only sending one representative to the exhibition game, after an inconsistent first half has left the Storm with a 9-11 record at the break.

Second year forward Breanna Stewart, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is Seattle’s only representative in the game. Stewart is currently fourth in rebounding (8.9 rpg), fifth in scoring (19.4 ppg) and sixth in blocks (1.5 bpg). The forward was selected by the other coaches in the Western Conference, not by the fan vote, and will start the All Star game on the bench for the West. It’s nice to see Seattle’s future represent the team and the city, but it’s unfortunate — and not surprising — that aging icon Sue Bird did not make it this season.

Also making the reserves for the West are reigning MVP Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks, and Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury — the league’s current scoring leader. For the eastern reserves, forward Candice Dupree, Stephanie Dolson, Alyssa Thomas, Elizabeth Williams, and guards Layshia Clarendon, and Allie Quigley.

According to a press release on the Storm’s website, there are nine players making their debut in the exhibition game.

The All Star break comes after an incredibly inconsistent first half for Seattle, that’s seen the franchise drop to ninth place in the league standings. In their final game before the break, the Storm were unable to overcome a dominant 30-13 second quarter by the Chicago Sky enroute to a 94-83 loss at home. Beacuse of the loss to Chicago, Seattle closed out the first half of the season by going 2-3 in their last five games.

The 2017 Verizon WNBA All Star game will tip-off at 3:30 PM and be broadcast on ABC. You can buy tickets by clicking on this link.

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