Flames duo named in Opals squad
The Australian Opals have named a 21-player squad, headlined by Sydney Flames duo Cayla George and Shaneice Swain, for a training camp in April.
The camp in Melbourne, from April 7 to 11, sees the program come together for the first time since the bronze-medal winning campaign at last year’s Paris Olympics with the focus now turning to a Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand in May then the FIBA Asia Cup in China in July – which is a critical step towards qualification for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
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The squad includes nine Paris Olympians (Opals George, Steph Talbot, Alanna Smith, Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase, Amy Atwell plus Gangurrus Anneli Maley and Ally Wilson) with Townsville Fire star Courtney Woods, Perth Lynx guard Miela Sowah and Adelaide Lightning young gun Isabelle Bourne earning selection in their first Opals squad.
The squad has been selected from available players at this point in time, taking into consideration those still competing in seasons abroad and others who have opted to take a break, with 16 players fresh from the Cygnett WNBL season and four who will have completed campaigns overseas.
Joining George and Swain in the Opals squad, which also has Sydney’s Renae Garlepp on the coaching staff, are Zitina Aokuso, Amy Atwell, Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Isobel Bourne, Shyla Heal, Anneli Maley, Jade Melbourne, Nyadiew Puoch, Maddison Rocci, Lauren Scherf, Alex Sharp, Saffron Shiels, Alanna Smith, Miela Sowah, Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Ally Wilson and Courtney Woods.
Newly re-appointed Opals head coach Sandy Brondello will lead the camp in Melbourne and is excited to get the squad together.
“This really kick starts the year for us and allows us to have a look at who’s coming through, evaluate who we’ve got, Brondello said.
“We’re in a good spot, they all deserve to be here and I’m excited about the young talent.
“We’ve got the New Zealand series and that will be good competition and preparing us for Asia Cup,” Brondello said.
“The biggest thing for the Opals is having contact with our core and best players who compete right around the world.
“There’s a lot to be excited about. (Shaneice) Swain, I love her flair. The game keeps evolving, we want to change a few things up and she’s really exciting. It’s good to see Sara (Blicavs) healthy and we’ll get to see where she’s at.
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“I’ve been so impressed by Ally Wilson, 3×3 has really elevated her game. I’m excited by Nyadiew (Puoch) who keeps getting better and better, Saffron (Shiels) has conflicting commitments with the Gems but we’ll get her into camp, long 6’2 point guards are very rare.
“Sami (Whitcomb) wow what an MVP season she’s had and we get Alanna (Smith) back from China which has worked out well with the timing of the camp.
“Courtney, Miela and Isabelle have all earned their opportunity to be part of their first Opals camp and I’m looking forward to working with them and the whole squad.”