Washington Mystics re-sign Tianna Hawkins, LaToya Sanders and Allison Hightower

The Washington Mystics announced in a release on Friday afternoon they've re-signed forwards Tianna Hawkins, LaToya Sanders and guard Allison Hightower.

Hawkins, an unrestricted free agent, had one of her best seasons averaging 6.9 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. She was selected by the Seattle Storm sixth overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft and also played collegiate ball for Maryland. She joined the Mystics as part of the Crystal Langhorne trade during the 2014 offseason.

Mystics head coach and general manager Mike Thibault shared his thoughts on the signing in the press release:

“Tianna has improved each year that she has been in Washington and we are confident that will continue. 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 all of the 2017 season with a foot injury. She was a defensive force in 2015 with 48 blocks, second most in franchise history for a single season. Thibault said he values her presence on the team:

“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. 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 signed with the Mystics late in the 2017 season, averaging 4.7 points and 1.1 assists per game in the 11 games she played. She was a key part of Mystics’ playoff run.

“Alley was a very welcome addition to our roster late last season. Even though she wasn’t back to 100% 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.”

With Emma Meeseman out for the season, it looks like the Mystics are doing what they can to keep the rest of the team intact. Now, the big question is what happens with Ivory Latta? Will she return and give us more of her epic dance moves or will she move on elsewhere?