Sun’s Charles, Hightowner named to Eastern Conference All-Star team

UNCASVILLE – Center Tina Charles and guard Allison Hightower were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as reserves on Tuesday, and will represent the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, July 27 when the 2013 WNBA All-Star Game is held at Mohegan Sun Arena. 

“My heart about stopped,” Hightower said of being named to the team. “It is just a great feeling being one of the players that is going to the All-Star Game. It’s an honor.” 

Hightower, a fourth-year guard, is having a career year for the Sun, currently 4-11 and sixth in the Eastern Conference. She is averaging a career-high 13.4 points per game and had a career-high 23 points against San Antonio on July 14. It will be her first All-Star appearance. 

It will be Charles’ second All-Star contest. Charles, who was named the league’s MVP last season, is averaging a team-best 18.6 points and 10.3 rebounds. Her average of 10.3 rebounds is No. 2 in the league.

“It never gets old,” Charles said. “It’s an honor to play with such a talented group of fellow All-Stars. To be able to play on my home court makes it that much better.” 

The All-Star reserves are chosen by the WNBA head coaches, who are limited to voting for players from the other teams in their own conference. They are not allowed to select their own players. 

“Both players are so deserving of this honor,” Sun head coach Anne Donovan said. “Tina has been the anchor of this team all season and Allie has quietly emerged as one of the best two-way guards in the WNBA. I’m excited for both of them.” 

Other reserves named to the respective teams are Sylvia Fowles of Chicago, Crystal Langhorne of Washington, Ivory Latta of Washington and Shavonte Zellous of Indiana for the Eastern Conference. Reserves named to the Western Conference All-Star team include Rebekkah Brunson (Minnesota), Glory Johnson (Tulsa), Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles), Danielle Robinson (San Antonio), Kristi Toliver (Los Angeles) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota). 

Eastern Conference starters:
Cappie Pondexter, Guard (New York Liberty)
Epiphanny Prince, Guard (Chicago Sky)
Elena Delle Donne, Frontcourt (Chicago Sky)
Tamika Catchings, Frontcourt (Indiana Fever)
Angel McCoughtry, Frontcourt (Atlanta Dream)

Western Conference starters:
Diana Taurasi, Guard (Phoenix Mercury)
Seimone Augustus, Guard (Minnesota Lynx)
Candace Parker, Frontcourt (Los Angeles Sparks)
Maya Moore, Frontcourt (Minnesota Lynx)
Brittney Griner, Frontcourt (Phoenix Mercury)

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at . Family Four Packs are also available, with four tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns and four sodas for just $60. Those can be purchased at . 

The game will be broadcast on ABC beginning at 3:30 p.m.