Your ultimate guide to the NBL1 East women’s 2024 basketball season
The 2024 NBL1 East women’s basketball season begins next month and we’ve looked at how each club sits ahead of tip-off. See analysis of every team list, our players to watch and key recruits.
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The 2024 NBL1 East basketball season will tip off next month as NSW’s top clubs hit the court for the first time this year.
A number of star recruits and returning big names will compete for silverware during what should be one of the competition’s most competitive seasons yet.
Ahead of the opening round, we’ve analysed each club’s list, standout recruits and players to watch for the new season.
Albury Wodonga Bandits
The Bandits had a disappointing 2023 season following their championship success the previous year, but a new coach and the return of superstar Lauren Jackson indicates the side won’t be settling this season.
Home stadium: Lauren Jackson Sports Centre - 229 North St, East Albury NSW 2640
Coach: Sam McDonald
Roster: Lauren Jackson, Ashlee Hannan, Awatea Leach, Molly Rice, Sarah Mellington, Liz Murphy, Claudia Hocking, Mikayla Pivec, Aleira McCowan, Bella Fielder, Caitlan Quintal, Emma Mahady, Jessica Freeman, Ruby Watson, Timeeka Coleman
Finished last year: 8th (12-10)
Key recruit: Undoubtedly the biggest pick-up for the Bandits is the return of homegrown hero Lauren Jackson. Her return to the game in 2022 following a six-year absence delivered the Bandits a championship, an Opals call-up and MVP honours for Jackson who averaged 31.8 points and 12.6 rebounds throughout the season. Coming back to her home club following a season in the WNBL under new coach and personal friend Sam McDonald, Jackson is expected to bring solid leadership and a lot of points for a team hoping for another title.
Who to look out for and why: Backing up her first season in the WNBL, Ashlee Hannan is back with the Bandits for 2024 with a lot of hype heading into the new season. The 23-year-old had a breakout season last year, averaging 13.4 points and 8.3 rebounds. Coach McDonald believes will come back to the league full of confidence and all guns firing.
Headline we’d like to see: Lauren Jackson marks return home with MVP performance
Our bold prediction: With Lauren Jackson at the helm and a lot of young talent coming through, the Bandits will be the ones to beat come grand final day.
Bankstown Bruins
The Bruins heartbreakingly missed out on a finals place by just one win last season, but they’re not likely to settle this year. Coach Lyle Vallance has kept the same team, including imports Kapri Morrow and Britney Wright, putting the Bruins one step ahead of the league in terms of team chemistry.
Home stadium: Bankstown Basketball Stadium - 2 Third Ave, Condell Park NSW 2200
Coach: Lyle Vallance
Roster: Kapri Morrow, Kiahna Davis-White, Lily Austin, Sienna Tutani, Abbey Vallance, Azaleeah Oloapu, Jane Dunlop, Britney Wright, Jurnee-Armour Straker, Jennifer Mailei, Rachel Dunlop, Tara Kalivitis, Dragana Martinez, Maja Peric
Finished last year: 9th (11-11)
Who to look out for and why: Returning American guard Kapri Morrow will be crucial again for the Bruins as they push for the finals in 2024. She was sixth in the league for average points per game last season with 22.25 and averaged 10.06 rebounds per game.
Headline we’d like to see: Consistency is key: Bruins bank a home final
Our bold prediction: An identical Bruins team will have an edge early in the season and will go from strength to strength on their way to the finals.
Canberra Nationals
A team frustratingly close to the finals last season, the Nationals have made some key changes for success in 2024. Experienced coach Kristen Veal is now at the helm and has recruited well, bringing back former National Maddison Penn and securing recent college graduate Callie Bourne. With the bulk of the team unchanged, the Nationals should be able to hit the ground running from round one.
Home stadium: Belconnen Basketball Stadium - 42 Oatley Ct, Belconnen ACT 2617
Coach: Kristen Veal
Roster: Lizzy Tonks, Elise Finney, Callie Bourne, Abbie Ketels, Jasmyn Boutzos, Chloe Tugliach, Maddison Penn, Claudea Waihape Andrews, Caitlin Rowe, Bianca Dufelmeier, Nikki Worner
Finished last year: 10th (10-12)
Key recruit: Former Canberra National Maddison Penn has moved back to the nation’s capital after spending a few years with Central Coast Crusaders. She averaged 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Who to look out for and why: Callie Bourne is set for her first season in the NBL1 after returning to Australia late last year from a college career at Idaho State, where she averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. She featured for the Canberra Capitals for the WNBL season and is expected to make a big impact at the Nationals.
Headline we’d like to see: Nationals boast undefeated start to season
Our bold prediction: The Nationals will have a very strong start to the season and keep up their form throughout
Central Coast Crusaders
The Crusaders new coach Rachael Maenpaa lives and breaths the club, wasting no time following the end of the 2023 season to make the jump from player to coach. The team features plenty of experience including guard Kristina Moore and Nicole Hutchins, as well as returning players Jasmine Forcadilla and Kate Cranney.
Home stadium: Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium - 12 Duffys Rd, Terrigal NSW 2260
Coach: Rachael Maenpaa
Roster: Darneka Rowe, Jasmine Forcadilla, Nicole Hutchins, Kristina Moore, Taryn Mahoney, Gabby Turnbull, Mikaela Miller, Sara Matthews, Kate Cranney
Finished last year: 11th (8-14)
Key recruit: Guard Kristina Moore is back in Australia and the NBL1 East, this time with the Crusaders. Moore’s five-game stint with the Spiders last season saw her averaging 26.6 points, fresh off years of NCAA experience with the Florida Gators and Georgetown Hoyas.
Who to look out for and why: After a season cut short by injury, Sara Matthews heads into 2024 ready to make an impact. She impressed across the board with 19 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and will likely be a game winner for the Crusaders this year.
Headline we’d like to see: Player-turned-coach leads Crusaders to unlikely finals berth
Our bold prediction: The Crusaders will have made some big gains from last season but will fall short of a finals spot.
Centre of Excellence
Despite being a team of 16 to 18-year-olds up against fully grown women with much more experience, the CoE are never overlooked. The team will likely face periods of big disruptions through the season due to junior national team duty and national championships, but the remaining players will almost certainly hold their own.
Home stadium: AIS Basketball and Netball Centre - Building 13, Bruce ACT 2617
Coach: David Herbert
Roster: Sophie Taylor, Zara Russell, Sienna Harvey, Jade Crook, Monique Williams, Sarah Portlock, Monique Bobongie, Bonnie Deas, Opal Bird, Sitaya Fagan, Emilija Dakic
Finished last year: 4th (16-6)
Who to look out for and why: Queenslander Monique Bobongie has flown a little bit under the radar but is set for a big season this year. Her performances on the training ground and for Queensland state teams teases of things to come and with a solid group around her, Bobongie will shine.
Headline we’d like to see: New star shines for CoE on route to finals
Our bold prediction: The CoE will likely struggle during the periods where multiple players are unavailable but will still easily secure a top eight position.
Hills Hornets
Coach Robert Meyrick said the only way is up for Hills this season, keeping the side’s core players while adding some firepower with new imports and young guns. The Hornets have plenty of potential and could be quiet underdogs this year.
Home stadium: Hills Basketball Stadium - Caterson Dr, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Coach: Robert Meyrick
Roster: Zoe Meyrick, Ella Leasuasu, Taylah Moss, Maddie Emmett, Cassandra Pentney, Hannah Griffin, Meg Jefferson, Lucy Corke, Rachel McLimore, Emma Kary, Sally Faehrmann, Samantha Sproule
Finished last year: 15th (4-18)
Key recruit: American Rachel McLimore is set to bring some attacking power to Hills following a solid graduate season with Butler. She was ranked sixth in the Big East 3-point percentage and will contribute some much needed points.
Who to look out for and why: Lucy Corke will make her NBL1 debut with the Hornets after moving up to the Youth League last season with Central Coast Crusaders. A key feature in the NSW state programs, coach Meyrick expects Corke to have a breakout year in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Hornets stun the East with prime finals position secured
Our bold prediction: New signings will bring life to the struggling Hornets but the finals may still be a way off.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders
This is an exciting year for the Spiders who have undergone a near complete rebuild from last year’s last place. A major coup for the club is the signing of Jessie-May Hall, a NSW and Australian age rep and one of the biggest names coming up through the system. A minimum expectation for the Spiders should be closing the gap to the top eight, though with such a youthful side it may be tough to break through.
Home stadium: The Brickpit - 1A Dartford Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Coach: John Hennessy
Roster: Haru Inamura, Jessie-May Hall, Keira Hudson, Daila Walker, Nikki Sainsbury, Debby Christaline, Naiobe Reid, Jasinta Haydardedeoglu, Amy Sukkar, Ashleigh Thacker, Audrey Hogg, Ay’Anna Bey, Genevieve Audette, Sarah Cherry, Serena Waters, Shona O’Connell-Shea
Finished last year: 16th (1-21)
Key recruit: Jessie-May Hall is one of the brightest young prospects in Australian basketball. A NSW and Australian underage representative, Hall immediately adds to the Hornsby backcourt with her youthful energy and incredible skill-set.
Who to look out for and why: Keira Hudson was a standout for the Spiders in a very disappointing inaugural NBL1 East season. A consistent player and natural leader, Hudson will be a key part of the Spiders’ season and their hopes of more wins in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Scoring machine Jessie-May Hall leads Spiders off bottom of the ladder
Our bold prediction: The only way is up for the Spiders, and while they’ll make huge gains from last season, they’re unlikely to be a finals feature.
Illawarra Hawks
This is shaping up as a key season for the Hawks. After a disappointing 2023 their young core is a year older and they have the benefit of Ben Bagoly at the helm, bringing NBL assistant experience to the fold. All the tools are there for Illawarra to get themselves back into the finals picture.
Home stadium: The Snakepit Stadium - 37 Foley St, Gwynneville NSW 2500
Coach: Ben Bagoly
Roster: Lauren Gatwood, Ella Dent, Rachael White, Courtney Jardine, Lauren Calver, Ruby MacDonald, Imogen Thompson, Charlotte Giles, Georgia Ohrdorf, Ebony Petre, Maddison Blewitt, Matilda-Jane MacDonald, Melanie Kirby
Finished last year: 13th (5-17)
Key recruit: Lauren Calver brings leadership qualities to the Hawks after playing last year with the Sutherland Sharks. Can punch out valuable minutes and averages close to a steal and a block per game.
Who to look out for and why: Ella Dent continues to elevate her game and was a key figure for the Hawks last season. She gives them a scoring output that can take them a long way in this competition. If they are to go far it will be on the back of her.
Headline we’d like to see: Dent’s MVP season leads Hawks to deep playoffs run
Our bold prediction: Hawks will improve leaps and bounds and sit comfortably in the finals picture
Inner West Bulls
The Bulls are focusing on youth, development and results for 2024. Losing top scorers and performers from last season, the Bulls have looked to their junior ranks to fill the gaps and recruited some outside talent to bolster the squad.
Home stadium: ELS Hall Park - 109A Kent Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
Coach: Alicia Poto
Roster: Bianca Small, Bridie White, Shiho Yamazaki, Tylah Mundine, Zoe Roulston, Sabrina Della Dranca, Jolzyne Impreso, Kaius Clarke, Rachael Kemp, Piath Gabriel, Georgia Noack
Finished last year: 12th (6-16)
Key recruit: Powerful American forward Piath Gabriel is set to be an anchor for the Bulls’ defense with her 6’5” height and powerful build. Her college career was split across three universities, ending with the University of Massachusetts in 2023.
Who to look out for and why: Tylah Mundine was a consistent all-rounder during her time with the Spiders last season, averaging 10.36 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. With a solid team around her, Mundine will be a formidable player and one to watch.
Headline we’d like to see: Bulls one win away from finals picture
Our bold prediction: With so much change within the squad it may take a while for the Bulls to find their feet, but they have the potential to be in the mix come the end of the season.
Maitland Mustangs
A first-round finals exit last season will only have reinforced the Mustangs’ resolve for 2024. Top attacking duo Shakera Reilly and Sydney Hunter are back for another season, joined by exciting Kiwi prospect Summer Faleafa and NSW state representative Lara Dobbins.
Home stadium: Maitland Federation Centre - 10 Bent St, Maitland NSW 2320
Coach: Mark Wawszkowicz
Roster: Shakera Reilly, Sydney Hunter, Rachel Williams, Hannah Fox, Abbey McGregor, Chelsea Neely, Ella Bendeich, Isabella Jennings, Kate Love, Kelsey Moss, Lara Dobbins, Natsu Kohama, Shannon Burton, Sophie T Richards, Sophie Williams, Summer Faleafa
Finished last year: 6th (14-8)
Key recruit: Auckland native Summer Faleafa makes the move to the NBL1 from Auckland Dream in the NZ Basketball D League. The 6’1 wing is a proven shooter and will want to make an instant impact in Maitland as she eyes a move to college in America.
Who to look out for and why: Teenager Lara Dobbins has graduated from the Mustang’s junior ranks to the NBL1 East and although she isn’t likely to be a regular feature for Maitland this season, she brings plenty of talent. Dobbins has been part of the NSW Country state teams for much of her junior career and also played in the Waratah Youth League in 2023.
Headline we’d like to see: Mustangs rewrite history to progress in finals
Our bold prediction: Maitland will go far in finals but will fall before the decider.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Manly definitely have some unfinished business this season, after falling short at the final hurdle in 2023. Veteran Kim Hodge will lead some new, future stars in Alana Reddy, Chloe Dix and Lucy Mead along with American import Brooke Flowers.
Home stadium: Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre - Jacksons Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
Coach: Nathan Kirwan
Roster: Kim Hodge, Alex Delaney, Brooke Flowers, Chloe Dix, Zoey Miller, Bree Delaney, Sari Mowbray, Maja Jurlina, Alana Reddy, Lucy Mead, Josie Bulman, Annie Henderson, Ella Gale, Annobel Starr, Taneeka Parker
Finished last year: 1st/runners-up (20-2)
Key recruit: American import Brooke Flowers brings a wealth of experience to the Sea Eagles, recently graduating college in her hometown of St Louis. Flowers was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, setting a new record at the college for most blocks in a season with 265.
Who to look out for and why: Manly veteran Kim Hodge lead the team in nearly all stats last season, with an average of 16.22 points and 7.61 rebounds per game on the way to the top of the ladder. Still just 25-years-old, Hodge has a lot to offer Manly again this year.
Headline we’d like to see: Redemption: Manly finally take out East grand final
Our bold prediction: The Sea Eagles will produce much of the same in 2024, with the only difference the result going their way in the decider.
Newcastle Falcons
The Falcons are set to be an exciting team to watch this year as they look to go all the way. College-bound Isla Juffermans will be keen to show up in Australia one last time while the returning Falcons will be hoping to rewrite last year’s disappointment.
Home stadium: Newcastle Basketball Stadium - 27 Young Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2305
Coach: Kristy Bultitude
Roster: Nicole Munger, Isla Juffermans, Aarion ‘Oni’ Nichols, Kate Kingham, Sophie Brennan, Matilda Burns, Josie Chick, Hannah Chicken, Jessica Johnston, Meiling Patfield, Gabrielle Tschirn
Finished last year: 2nd (19-3)
Key recruit: Securing future Opals star and teenager Isla Juffermans is a big coup for the Falcons this year. Though only 18-years-old, Juffermans has a wealth of experience behind her both in national competitions and junior international competitions. Juffermans averaged 16.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in 2023 with the Centre of Excellence.
Who to look out for and why: Fresh out of college and keen to start her Australian basketball career is Oni Nichols. The 22-year-old played four years with Tiffin University before transferring to San Jose State University, where she averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
Headline we’d like to see: Juffermans claims NBL1 East title on route to America
Our bold prediction: The Falcons will be strong once again, and the disappointment from last season will only spur them further in the finals series.
Norths Bears
Every team will be gunning for Norths this season as they head into 2024 the reigning champions. Coach Renae Garlepp has built another solid team, keeping key championship players in Carla Pitman and Emily Simon and adding overseas talent in American Sidney Cooks.
Home stadium: North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre - Level 5/36 Hume St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Coach: Renae Garlepp
Roster: Carla Pitman, Emily Simons, Maddie O’Hehir, Holly Wills, Peggy Schell, Sarah Schicher, Sidney Cooks, Meg Jeffs, Caitlyn Martin
Finished last year: Champions (18-4)
Key recruit: American forward Sidney Cooks has an impressive resume, accruing records and honours during her college career with Seton Hall University. She moves to Norths from Argentinian team Obras where she averaged 17.5 points per game.
Who to look out for and why: Carla Pitman had one of the biggest years of her young career last season, winning the NBL1 East championship with Norths and training as a development player with the Sydney Flames. Pitman averaged 13.27 points, 4.41 rebounds and 2.47 assists per game in 2023.
Headline we’d like to see: Unstoppable Norths claim second title
Our bold prediction: Norths will be back in the grand final in 2024 and will be the ones to beat.
Penrith Panthers
Panthers coach Neil Offner has stayed true to his core squad for the 2024 season in a move to improve and build on existing talent. The club is known for focusing on it’s junior talent and has continued this trend,resulting in a squad already familiar with each other and ready to go from the opening rounds.
Home stadium: Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre - 30 Herbert St, Cambridge Park NSW 2747
Coach: Neil Offner
Roster: Tahlia Tupaea, Dominika Faber, Chloe Williams, Taylor Newbould, Margaret Byrne, Teiarna Offner, Kate Pozoglou, Meg Creanor, Teagan Edwards, Rhiannon Pope, Tatiana Beaumont, Kaleigh Martin
Finished last year: 14th (5-18)
Who to look out for and why: Tahlia Tupaea brings WNBL experience to the Panthers and despite being at the elite level since 2012, is still just 26 years old. She is someone Penrith can build a team around and will be invaluable to the growth and development of the younger players.
Headline we’d like to see: Panthers stun East with massive ladder-leading upset
Our bold prediction: The Panthers will continue to struggle this season but will make some solid gains
Sutherland Sharks
The Sharks are set to be the dark horses of the 2024 season with some incredible talent at their disposal. Sydney Flames duo Lauren Nicholson and Vanessa Panousis will bring plenty of buckets, though Nicholson will be unavailable until later in the season due to a contract overseas. The best players of last year have stayed on to go even further this season.
Home stadium: Sutherland Basketball Stadium - Waratah Park, Rawson Ave, Sutherland NSW 2232
Coach: Adam Marjoram
Roster: Maddy Norris, Aliza Fabbro, Kallie Hovatter, Emily Garland, Hannah Clinen, Jordyn Dewhurst, Taya Webb, Olivia White, Gabriella Nancarrow, Manuela Piljevic, Melinda Andriejunas, Dalen Pilitati, Lauren Nicholson, Vanessa Panousis
Finished last year: 5th (15-7)
Key recruit: Sydney Flames guard Vanessa Panousis makes her return to the Sharks after spending 2023 with her junior club Sydney Comets. There, she averaged 22.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and led the club to the finals in their first season.
Who to look out for and why: Sharks junior Madeleine Norris had a breakout season in 2023 as a consistent all-rounder and point scorer. She averaged 18.14 points, 7.23 rebounds and 3.14 assists per game, second only to Lauren Nicholson, and will have the chance to take top spot with Nicholson out for the opening rounds.
Headline we’d like to see: Sharks secure top four finish
Our bold prediction: The Sharks have a lot of talent packed into their team and it would be a massive shock if they didn’t finish the season near the top of the table.
Sydney Comets
The Comets were impressive during their inaugural NBL1 East season last year, finishing seventh in the regular season and making it to the semi-finals. Coach Shelley Gorman is back at the helm in 2024 and has put together a youthful squad, packed full of talent ready to make their mark on the league.
Home stadium: Comets Stadium - 53 Maddox St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Coach: Shelley Gorman
Roster: Abby O’Flynn, Aishani Mosquera, Alexandra Kayrouz, Alexandria Oliver, Amber Ortega, Arisa Takamoto, Dylan Alexander, Eleanor Pinkerton, Gabrielle Neal, Jade Yeomans, Lara Fogarty-Bennett, Makayla Minshall, Pailin McKibbin, Serika Shillingsworth, Piper Anderson, Davida Dale
Finished last year: 7th (13-9)
Key recruit: American Davida Dale has signed with the Comets following a stellar season in the NBL1 North with Mackay Meteorettes. Dale lead the league in steals with an average of 4.7 per game, as well as 17ppg, 5.6 assists and 7.7 rebounds.
Who to look out for and why: Young guard Piper Anderson had a solid first season in the NBL1 last year, consistently improving throughout the competition. Coach Gorman said she believed Gorman is prepped and ready for a big season and is excited to see what she can do with more minutes.
Headline we’d like to see: Comets in prime position for grand final after top four finish
Our bold prediction: Another finals appearance for the Comets with potential to go far in the series
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Originally published as Your ultimate guide to the NBL1 East women’s 2024 basketball season
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