Alex

Wilson

The Sky signed Bertsch and Wilson to training camp deals, with both players facing challenging odds to make the final roster. While Bertsch trailed Elizabeth Williams and Maddy Westbeld in the frontcourt pecking order, Wilson was behind first-round pick and projected backup point guard Hailey Van Lith. Neither Bertsch nor Wilson played in Chicago’s preseason finale, a loss to the Lynx on Saturday.

Subbing in mostly for veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, Van Lith was a steady presence who found her teammates Ariel Atkins, Michaela Onyenwere and Alex Wilson for open perimeter shots on dribble penetration. With the Sky down by two points with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Van Lith made a string of clutch plays that helped the Sky prevail over the Lynx. With 1:51 left in regulation, Van Lith forced Grace Berger into a turnover, and then moments later drilled a 26-foot three pointer off the bounce to give the Sky a 69-67 lead which fueled a 10-2 Chicago run to end the game. Van Lith led all Sky reserves in minutes in this game, though the starters’ minutes were limited in the exhibition.