Dana Evans from Gary plays with Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever

INDIANAPOLIS — Dana Evans remembers that feeling of failure. As a young person, the Gary native dreamed of main West Facet to a state remaining look and taking a visit down I-65 to play on the Indiana Fever’s court docket at Bankers Life (now Gainbridge) Fieldhouse.

However regardless of being the fifth all-time main scorer in Indiana highschool women basketball historical past, that likelihood by no means got here.

Evans was a 2017 McDonald’s All-American, the one woman ever chosen from Gary, however could not lead her workforce previous the regional spherical. She’s used that shortcoming as gasoline whereas persevering with her profession, which now features a WNBA title and the long-awaited alternative to compete on the largest stage in her residence state.

Extra:Rookies Destanni Henderson, Queen Egbo lead Indiana Fever to preseason win over Chicago Sky

Sunday marked the second time Evans performed at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as she prepares for her second season with the defending champion Chicago Sky.

“I needed to get it out the mud,” Evans stated of her journey. “Nothing was given to me. Nothing was simple, so I actually needed to go and get it myself. That is simply at all times been my mentality, incomes individuals’s respect as a result of it is at all times, ‘She’s somewhat guard,’ or ‘She’s this. She’s that.’ They at all times acquired one thing to say so as to add to that, however on the finish of the day I am right here, I am residing out my dream.”

The brand new-look Fever, led by a slew of rookies, defeated the Sky 79-75 of their preseason bout. Chicago was with out future Corridor of Famer Candace Parker, reigning Finals MVP Kahleah Copper and 3-point specialist Allie Quigley, however it nonetheless had three-time All-Star Courtney Vandersloot and Evans beginning within the backcourt.

Evans was the shortest participant on the court docket, as she’s been for many of her profession, however the 5-6 guard confirmed flashes of the expansion she’s had since getting into the league. Evans scored 12 factors and drained a game-high three 3s, whereas being some of the vocal gamers on the ground.

Final season, Evans was drafted thirteenth general by the Dallas Wings and traded to the Sky early in her rookie marketing campaign. When she arrived in Chicago, she stated her essential focuses had been proving herself and becoming in. Now, with the expertise she gained from the Sky’s first championship, Evans is raring to shoulder extra accountability.

“Clearly (the title) motivated me so much as a result of I need to hold successful,” Evans stated. “My first yr I used to be blessed sufficient to come back to a Chicago Sky workforce that is loaded with loads of vets, loads of nice superstars on this workforce, so for me I simply checked out it as a studying expertise. I am studying behind the most effective level guards (Vandersloot) to play this sport. I am clearly enjoying with Candace, Copper … being able to fill these sneakers when it is my time.”

Evans was chosen to the WNBA All-Rookie Group final season, averaging 3.3 factors and 1.0 assists, whereas offering tenacious on-ball protection. The spotlight of her season got here when she nailed three straight 3s throughout the fourth quarter of Chicago’s dominant Recreation 3 win over the Phoenix Mercury within the Finals.

Previous to the WNBA, Evans starred at Louisville, the place she turned the primary participant in convention historical past to be named the ACC Sixth Participant of the 12 months and the ACC Participant of the 12 months (twice). The Cardinals made one Last 4 and two Elite Eight appearances throughout her time.

Evans credit her success to the grit she developed as a child rising up in Gary, and the diminutive guard is proud to characterize her hometown within the WNBA.

“I am enjoying on the Chicago Sky, which is a dream come true, and I am being productive,” Evans stated. “I really feel myself getting so significantly better daily at observe, so simply taking that mindset, simply (that) toughness and (letting others know) I am right here.”

Comply with IndyStar Pacers beat author James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Attain him through e mail: jboyd1@gannett.com.