The next wave of Australian basketball stars are heading to HoopsFest with nine current Centre of Excellence players named to play in Perth.
In what will be a fantastic development opportunity for the women, the players will get their first taste of WNBL action.
Monique Bobongie, Sienna Lehmann, Jade Crook, Zara Russell, Emilija Dakic, Sitaya Fagan, Monique Williams, and Sienna Harvey have all been named to represent the Caps while Sara Portlock will represent the Flyers.
All nine have represented Australia in world events this year and continue to build on an impressive start to their respective careers.
Bogongie, Crook, Dakic, Williams, Harvey, and Russell all represented Australia with the Gems winning the Asia Cup earlier this year.
While Lehmann and Fagan helped lead the Sapphires to fifth spot at the U17s FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Capitals General Manager Lucille Bailie says this is an exciting time for the Caps.
“With several of our athletes finalising their off-season commitments, we’re delighted to have some of Australia’s most exciting athletes and potential future Caps players represent us at Hoopfest.”
Many of the Caps all-time greats including Jade Melbourne and Lauren Jackson have joined the Caps direct from the Centre of Excellence. We know how valuable this opportunity will be for the players to experience the Capitals and WNBL culture.
CoE Womens Coach Dave Herbet says the experience will be invaluable.
“We are excited to announce that several of our CoEW players will be participating in teams throughout the HoopFest tournament.
“Notably, Mel Downer, our assistant coach, will be leading the UC Capitals. While a significant portion of our team will be represented in the UC Capitals, we are also thrilled to have placed several players in WNBL programs for this event.”
“This presents an incredible opportunity for our players to compete in WNBL-standard games and receive top-tier coaching. The enthusiasm from the players is growing, and this would not be possible without the fantastic initiative of HoopFest.”
Southside Flyers coach Kristi Harrower is looking forward to working with Portlock.
“We are pleased Sarah has decided to be part of the Flyers team at HoopsFest, she is an exciting young player, who has continued to improve through her work at the Centre of Excellence and we look forward to what she can bring to the team.”
“Importantly we know our role is to work with Sarah and to continue to assist her development and believe being around the team, particularly some of our senior players, will be a great experience for her.”
“Sarah’s development will continue after HoopsFest with the opportunity to train and essentially be part of the Flyers team to the extent her studies and other commitments allow.”
Current CoE athletes Bonnie Deas and Opal Bird will also play in the WNBL this season.
Get your ticket to HoopsFest here and see the next gen of stars on show.
