Howell is back from Colorado Springs and the USA Developmental Festival, where her talents were displayed among a group of the top players from across the country. As is any road back from a serious injury, there are good days and bad days. Howell experienced both types this past weekend.

Howell opened up the camp with 15 minutes of play, connecting on 2-of-3 attempts from the perimeter for six points. It was the first live scrimmaging against high level competition for her since being released by doctors over three weeks ago.

In game two, Howell hit her only perimeter attempt for three points, three rebounds and an assist. Her minutes still hovered at 13.

By game three, Howell was still shooting well, hitting 2-for-5 from the perimeter and 3-of-6 from the field for eight points. She also added four boards, two assists and a steal.

Her minutes swelled to 18. As did her right knee.

As a precaution, Howell sat out the final two games of the festival, watching her North squad take the silver medal. Her playing time had gone beyond the two to three minute intervals suggested to USA Basketball by Howell's physical therapist, and her knee was beginning to swell and become sore.

Upon her return, a visit to Dr. Shelbourne meant new x-rays and another MRI. Early indications are that her knee has not suffered any form of reinjury. But the results of those tests, due to be know Tuesday, will go a long way in determining whether local fans will see Howell on the floor for Wednesday's Junior All-Star scrimmage.

Looking back at her performance in Colorado Springs, Howell was the festivals best three-point shooter, finishing 5-of-9 (.556) from the perimeter in her three games. She averaged 5.7 points per game, shot 6-of-14 (.429) from the field, and averaged 2.7 rebounds.

Her shooting numbers were even more impressive due to playing by FIBA international rules. The basketball is bigger and heavier than high school and NCAA basketballs, plus the perimeter line is set back an additional nine inches.