Emerging Hobart basketball talent lands maiden WNBL deal

One of Tasmania’s most exciting basketball prospects is headed to the WNBL after securing a deal with the Townsville Fire. SEE THE LATEST >>

• Sharna Thompson continues scoring spree
• No WNBL imports opens the door for Aussie talent

ONE of Tasmania’s most lethal long range shooters is about to get the opportunity to test herself at the highest level in the country.

Despite the postponement of the NBL1 season costing prospective WNBL hopefuls a chance to showcase their talents, Sharna Thompson has landed a maiden contract in the league.

The sweet shooting guard has signed with the Townsville Fire.

Earlier this year the WNBL announced there would be no restricted players (imports) featuring in the 2020-21 season due to the impact of COVID-19.

This has opened the door for emerging Australian talent to earn a roster spot and Thompson’s body of work for the Hobart Chargers and Huskies has been enough to convince the Fire to snap up the talented 20-year-old.

Sharna Thompson drives to the basketball on route to a blistering 45 points for Hobart Phoenix PICTURE: Scott Boucher

Chargers coach Mark Nash, who also served as Thompson’s agent when he held accreditation two years ago, said the rising star would not be out of place in the WNBL.

“Sharna is an incredible talent and is an absolute credit to basketball in southern Tasmania,” Nash said.

“It is a really exciting step for Sharna and this is a really fantastic opportunity as well.

Basketball - NBL season opener, Hobart Huskies v Sandringham at Kingborough. (L-R) Sharna Thompson with the ball. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“The way the WNBL is structured this year with no imports, it really does open up other opportunities for Australian players like Sharna.

“I am confident she is ready and teams better get a hand up, she will coming out hot no doubt and I can’t wait to see a breakout game.”

A former Tasmanian underage representative, Thompson joined the Chargers program as a 15-year-old in 2016 and by her second year at then SEABL level was proving herself as a dangerous three point threat.

She had been lighting up the SBL competition with Phoenix, pouring in a staggering 136 points across a three match stretch early last month.

Thompson will join forces with one of the country’s most exciting talents Shyla Heal at Townsville – who had signed with the Chargers for the 2020 season – with the daughter of former Boomer Shane also signing with the Fire.

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