BRAVE JUNIOR ELEVATES TO SPIRIT

2 July 2020 | Bendigo Spirit news

Piper Dunlop started her Bendigo Basketball journey at the age of 8 as a Junior Brave and has now realised her dream from all those years ago, signing with the Bendigo Spirit as a Development player (DP) for WNBL21 season.

The 16 year old 6’2” Centre has been elevated to a DP spot with the Spirit after following the Braves Pathway through Juniors, NBL1 and having been a training player with the Spirit last year.

The Victoria Country representative has worked hard on improving her game throughout her junior career and was selected for the Australian Team which went undefeated winning gold in the 2018 FIBA Under-15 Oceania Championships. It was here Piper first experienced Spirit Head Coach Tracy York.

“I trained with the Spirit last year and Tracy was also my National Coach so I know what to expect and what her expectations are.” Piper said upon her signing as a DP with the Spirit.

Coach York is excited to have Piper join her ranks in the upcoming season.

“Piper is a great young lady but more importantly has a great attitude on and off the floor. She was a training player with us last season and showed she has the skills and mindset at this level to continue to improve and develop”.

General Manager of the Spirit Ben Harvey was equally as delighted with the announcement. “Piper is exactly what the Spirit is about, showcasing that pathway through junior programs to the National level.”

Piper has also realised the opportunities playing through the ranks at Bendigo has provided her and is now going to work even harder on her game to now set the example. “This is an amazing opportunity to show other young players in the region how pathways can work” she said.

Knowing the expectations of Coach York, Piper is set for some hard work heading into the WNBL season.