The Week That Was – 21
A one-stop shop for women’s basketball news throughout the Cygnett WNBL off-season, the curtain falls on The Week That Was with #WNBL24 excitedly now just days away.
SEASON LAUNCHED
Players from all eight clubs were on hand on Wednesday as the new Cygnett WNBL season was officially launched in Melbourne.
Representatives including boom Boomers recruit Jordin Canada, Sydney signing Tess Madgen, star Fire addition Sami Whitcomb and the GOAT, on return from injury, Lauren Jackson shared their thoughts on their team’s respective campaigns and the season ahead.
The launch also featured the unveiling of the new WNBL app and Tik Tok accounts.
WALLACE SIDELINED
Kristy Wallce will have a delayed start to #WNBL24 after undergoing surgery for a knee injury sustained while playing for the Indiana Fever in September.
The Boomers expect the Opals star to return to the court in December and have signed Sherrie Calleia, a former UC Capital who has established herself as a key player with Mount Gambier Pioneers in NBL1 South, as a replacement player. Read more here.
SPIRITED PREPARATION
Bendigo Spirit wrapped up an action-packed pre-season campaign with a 94-70 win over Melbourne Boomers at Keilor last weekend.
Alicia Froling top scored for the winners with 21 points with returning WNBL import Ruth Davis (15 points, 14 rebounds) compiling a double-double.
Melbourne recruit Sara Blicavs finished with an equal-game high 21 points.
The Spirit’s bumper preparation has included a tour and tournament in Korea, hosting the Mitsubishi Electric Koalas from the WJBL in two fixtures plus games against the Mildura Country Basketball League men’s team and the Flyers and Boomers.
ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE
Indigenous Round will be celebrated throughout the opening round of the Cygnett WNBL season next week.
Teams will wear the incredible designs of local artists on their jerseys with playing groups also engaging in a range of education sessions and workshops, including weaving, in the lead-up.
The Flames and their NBL sibling the Kings will wear the designs of Stewart James, a Wiradjuri Man of the Narrandera Murrumbidgee River People.
Southside Flyers jersey embodies the club’s sisterhood as explained by Ngarrindjeri woman and contemporary Indigenous artist Emma Stenhouse.
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Stay tuned to socials and the WNBL app to learn more about the stories behind all eight club’s playing uniforms.