SPLASH MAKES WAVES

The Bendigo Bank Spirit has welcomed back one of its most popular roster members for the 2017-18 WNBL season, Ashleigh ÔSplashÕ Spencer.

The 24 year old was recruited to the Spirit from South Adelaide, and will now enter her third season with the club.

She has played the past two seasons at SEABL club Ballarat under Spirit assistant coach and Bendigo basketball legend David Flint.

Ashleigh is averaging more than 15 points per game so far in the current SEABL season, and Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said he was expecting her to step up another level in the WNBL this year.

“Splash will play an important back-up role to Gabe Richards this year, and her defensive work will need to be spot on,” he said.

“She will come up against some world-class players, and from what I have seen with Ballarat this year, her improvement has been marked and she is coming off a huge game last round in the SEABL where she had 29 points and 11 assists against Sydney Uni which is very pleasing.

“Splash has done a lot of work off the court in the past two seasons, and it is all starting to pay off.”

Ashleigh said she was looking forward to the coming season.

“I am very grateful to be given another opportunity to play with the Spirit,” she said

“My game has improved in spades under Simon, and I am looking forward to how much I can improve under his guidance for another season.

“ItÕs going to be a remarkable year for talent this year, so make sure you all have your memberships so you donÕt miss any of the action.

“Go to www.bendigospirit.com.au for all the details.”

The Spirit is expected to announce the final three placements of its roster over the next three weeks, as well as its development players.

Photo:ÊAkuna Photography