In Arike Ogunbowale, the Dallas Wings have a high-usage, high-volume scorer who gives them a chance in any game.

The difference between this year and past seasons is that the Wings have more capable scorers around her, which is why they’re off to a 3-1 start heading into Friday night’s road game against the Washington Mystics.

Ogunbowale is pumping in 25.3 points per game despite making only 37.4 percent of her field goals. However, opponents have to account for players like Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard. Sabally is averaging 22.3 points and 9.0 rebounds, while Howard is chipping in 18.8 and 8.3, respectively.

It was Howard’s turn to shine Tuesday night in a 94-89 home win over Minnesota. She fired in a game-high 25 points, canning 11 of 15 attempts from the field, and contributed seven rebounds.

“You’ve got to think that she’s starting her 10th season in the league,” said Dallas coach Latricia Trammell of Howard. “I mean, she is that vet leadership. This is her. She’s a big factor in this team and a huge part of us winning.”

Washington (2-2) hasn’t played in a week. The Mystics bounced back from consecutive losses to Connecticut with a 71-69 win on May 26 at Chicago as Elena Delle Donne drained a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 22.4 seconds left to snap a 66-66 tie.

Delle Donne scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting in her first game since being fined by the WNBA for criticizing the officiating during an 80-74 defeat on May 21 at Connecticut.

The Mystics might get former All-WNBA Second Team pick Myisha Hines-Allen back on the floor for the first time this year. The veteran forward had knee surgery after last season and could play either Friday night or Saturday night when the team hosts Minnesota.

“I think now it’s just going to be a matter of game confidence,” Washington coach Eric Thibault said of Hines-Allen. “You’re just trying to get that leg as strong as the other one.”

The Mystics won two of three matchups with the Wings last year.

–Field Level Media