La'Tangela Atkinson, Shannon Johnson battling for spots on Storm roster

La'Tangela Atkinson grew up idolizing fellow South Carolinian Shannon Johnson. Now they're playing together for the Storm.

Atkinson attended camps Johnson's South Carolina basketball team held and was given a pair of the point guard's shoes. There was just one problem.

"I get home and I can't even wear the shoes," said Atkinson, who is 6 feet 1 compared to Johnson's 5-7. "My feet were too big, but I'll always remember it, and at my mom's house I still have [her team] poster."

The Houston Comets folded after last season, leaving Johnson, a 34-year-old 10-year veteran, without a team. And Atkinson, 25, a veteran of three seasons, was cut by Sacramento. Both signed with the Storm as free agents. Whether they remain will be decided after Saturday's exhibition finale in Phoenix.

Storm coach Brian Agler expects to make more cuts to reach his final 11-player roster this weekend. Lauren Jackson is expected to arrive Sunday and the team needs to prepare for the June 6 season-opener.

"Every day is nervous for me," Atkinson said. "I wake up in the morning and before going to bed thinking about everything."

Atkinson's wing position is one of the more important decisions Agler will make during training camp.

Although finishing the 2008 season with a franchise-best 22-12 record, Seattle lost in the opening round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. One of the reasons was lack of depth due to injuries to stars Jackson (ankle), Sheryl Swoopes (leg) and Swin Cash (herniated disk).

Swoopes was cut. Both Jackson and Cash underwent offseason surgery. Jackson had ankle surgery in August and says she's healthy, playing overseas during the offseason. Cash, however, had outpatient back surgery in March. She didn't feel strong enough to attempt full-contact drills until this week. The Storm needs her All-Star capabilities to be a formidable lineup, yet needs a strong reserve to fill any void until Cash is 100 percent.

Agler, who is also director of player personnel, plans to play returnee Camille Little, rookie Ashley Walker (if retained), and Jackson at the position. The true camp battle is between Atkinson and three-year pro Katie Gearlds.

Gearlds, 6-1, is the type of player that helps the offense move because she takes care of the ball. She's also a noted three-point shooter. Her downfall has been consistency and defense.

"Every year you feel you have to fight for a spot," said Gearlds, who played in Greece during the offseason. She worked on her defense, but was prickly when asked if she felt it was her weakness.

"Why? Because in the past I haven't been able to play defense?" Gearlds asked. "I feel like I've seen an improvement. Overseas I guarded the team's best player. If they [Agler] ask me to go stop anybody, I'm going to give it everything I have to do it."

Atkinson, who said she's getting tips from everyone, including Johnson, is a known slasher and strong rebounder. She had a nagging leg injury last season, but was able to heal it while playing in Poland during the offseason. She also worked on her three-point shooting to increase her chances in making a WNBA roster.

"I'm very impressed with her athleticism," Agler said. "Her experience is starting to show. She's shot the ball better than we anticipated."

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