On a day the Liberty drew 17,443 people to Madison Square Garden the vast majority of them kids for Camp Day it was only fitting Tina Charles, who herself grew up cheering for the Liberty, would be the one to lead the way.

For sure, I remember being young and watching games and just being one of them and coming to the game to support the New York Liberty, Charles, a Queens native, said after her 28-point and 17-rebound performance, her ninth double-double of the season.

The games 11 a.m. start time gave NYC campers the opportunity to make their way to the Garden, and they turned out in full force, thunder-sticks and all.

The kids were in for a treat as the Liberty avenged two losses this season and rolled over the Connecticut Sun 96-80. The Liberty (10-9) head into the All-Star break having beaten the Eastern Conferences top-two teams the Sun and Washington Mystics (both 12-9) in less than a week.

We like where were at right now, Liberty coach Bill Laimbeer said. Were pushing the pace better, and were getting easier baskets. I think they enjoy what they have right now, and its showing in the way they play.

It feels like when were playing great teams were able to match where they are, Charles said. Everybody is getting better and were just starting to click.

Charles a former MVP and the leagues leading scorer last season is headed to her fifth All-Star Game in Seattle on Saturday. But the 28-year old center would not take the credit for the teams performance.

This is not a one-woman show, she said. We need everyone in this locker room to be successful.

Nevertheless, Charles was dominant. When the game was still tight, her 10-point third quarter turned the Libertys four-point halftime lead into a double-digit rout.

As the near-capacity crowd made its way toward the exits, Charles had all of those kids on her mind.

Im really happy were able to show young girls that they can have a dream, and that they can aspire to play in the WNBA, she said.

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Tina Charles and the Liberty win one for the kids - New York Post