Storm wins exhibition opener

Ask A'Quonesia Franklin if she's upset at having to try out for a WNBA team after being drafted last season, and she doesn't hesitate to respond.

"A little bit, yes," said Franklin at Storm media day.

The pint-size point guard, drafted in the third round by Sacramento in 2008, faced her former team Thursday as she battled for a WNBA future. Franklin impressed in 18 minutes of playing time, helping the Storm to a 64-55 win at KeyArena in its exhibition opener.

After a first half that saw six lead changes, the Storm outscored the Monarchs 16-11 in the third quarter to break open the game. Forward Camille Little led Seattle with 13 points.

Sue Bird did not play, while roster locks Shannon Johnson (five points in 12 minutes) and Janell Burse (10 points in 17 minutes) were limited to clear playing time for evaluations.

But now it's time for decisions.

Storm coach Brian Agler expects to announce at least one roster cut today. Rookie forward Ashley Walker (10 points, five rebounds) and training-camp invitee La'Tangela Atkinson, who played five games for Sacramento in 2008, appear to be safe.

"Ashley is just a ballplayer," Agler said. "La'Tangela, she's athletic and active. Aqua did a good job getting the ball up the floor and getting us into our stuff.

"We're getting close to knowing cuts. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of people they are or quality of players. It comes down to a shortened training camp. It's a numbers game, and we've got to get some of our key players reps."

Franklin, who played behind Monarchs mainstay Ticha Penicheiro last season, said she's not going to let the situation affect her performance.

"Getting another opportunity sparked my play," said Franklin, who had three assists. "There's nothing I can do about it, I controlled what I could."

Atkinson helped the Storm get its first lead by grabbing a rebound and flinging the ball overhead downcourt to Johnson for a layin. The bucket put Seattle ahead 23-22 with 7:45 remaining in the second quarter.

Center Ashley Robinson had a string of good plays, including scoring four points in a 6-2 run that put the Storm up 50-42 lead in the third quarter.

"I'm really excited about our post game," said Burse. "Ashley looks a lot better than the last season I played with her [2007]. All around, it's really inspiring."

Agler, who is also the Storm's director of player personnel, said he would factor in the health of forward Swin Cash (recovering from back surgery) and the arrival of center Suzy Batkovic, who isn't expected until June 7. A player could be retained under the salary cap only to be cut after Batkovic is activated.

Cash has been cleared for non-contact drills only, and her availability depends on how her body responds to impact cardio and continued weight training.

"I have to build my stamina back up before I can actually get in there and go five-on-five," she said.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com