Full club-by-club preview of the 2024 NBL1 Central women’s basketball season
The 2024 NBL1 Central women’s basketball season begins this Saturday and we’ve looked at how each club sits ahead of tip-off. See analysis of every team list, our players to watch and big predictions.
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The 2024 NBL1 Central basketball season will tip off this weekend as South Australia’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 made our big predictions for season 2024.
CENTRAL DISTRICT LIONS
Home Stadium: Starplex – 18/20 Alexander Ave, Evanston Park
Coach: Joe Noone
Players (roster): Alyssa Brown, Madelyn Curry, Bethany Dittmar, Jasmin Fejo, Renai Fejo, Stacey Franceschinis, Georgie Garrard, Taylah Levy, Mollie Noone, Lilly Ritz, Casey Samuels, Alyce Thomas, Keeley Wiseman, Lily Zbierski, Georgia Buckley, Amalee Struck, Sarah Deng
Finished last year: 10th
Key recruit: Jasmin Fejo
Who to look out for and why: Jasmin Fejo joins her sister Renai at the Lions and will undoubtedly be one of the top players to watch in NBL1 Central this season. The skilled and explosive guard has experience with the Adelaide Lightning and dominated last season, averaging 16 points and six assists.
Headline we’d like to see: Lions launch finals bid
Our bold prediction: Top three finish
After a wooden spoon in season 2023, Central District may very well have catapulted itself to contention with the signing of star guard Jasmin Fejo and the return of dominant scorer Taylah Levy. Joe Noone will return as coach after a challenging 2023 campaign but his squad should be better for the experience and with the Fejo sisters and Levy all looking set for big years, a finals challenge is not out of the question for the Lions. If Jasmin Fejo can continue her all-round production to bolster the Lions offence and Levy remains a major scoring threat, it would not be a surprise to see Central District have a red-hot crack at a deep finals run.
EASTERN MAVERICKS
Home Stadium: St Francis De Sales Community Sports Centre, Mount Barker
Coach: Vicki Kelson
Players (roster): Arabella Beinke, Tia Dahlitz, Stephanie Formby, Marlee Glatter, Penzy Hocking, Mahlia James, Asha Marshall, Sophie Miles, Patricia Morris, Airlie Ramsey, Emmy Roach, Jocelyn Taylor, Roxy Tyler
Finished last year: 8th
Key recruit: Jocelyn Taylor
Who to look out for and why: Jocelyn Taylor will be one to watch for the Mavericks, the Michigan native joining the club after time in Europe. She boasts the ability to play a number of positions and can produce offensively and defensively.
Headline we’d like to see: Promising signs for Mavs future
Our bold prediction: Club fights to avoid wooden spoon
Despite the addition of Americans Patricia Morris and Jocelyn Taylor, who has arrived at the Mavericks after spending three seasons playing in Europe, the club may struggle to move from the bottom group on the ladder. Returning coach Vicki Kelson has a developing group on her hands however, and Mavericks members and fans are likely to see an exciting brand of basketball throughout the season. While the side may lack the experience of a championship squad, expect it to push many of the contenders all the way this year.
FORESTVILLE EAGLES
Home Stadium: Wayville Sports Centre – 142 Rose Terrace, Wayville
Coach: Georgia Crouch
Players (roster): Cara Annetts, Kelsey Brett, Aimee Brett, Maddy Freer, Hannah Gardiner, Chelsea Green, Rachael King, Casey Real, Ella Sawyer, Bella Schaftenaar, Jess Simons, Katia Stamatelopoulos, Jemma Tredrea, Gabi Vidmar, Amy West, Gemma Broadwood, Alannah Morello, Terran Wright, Elli Constantopoulos
Finished last year: 7th
Key recruit: Maddy Freer (returning)
Who to look out for and why: At just 19 years of age, Jess Simons could be set to take the next step for Forestville and produce her best season yet with the club. The exciting young guard has experience with the Lightning and can help to run and offence and play strong defence.
Headline we’d like to see: Simons takes next step for soaring Eagles
Our bold prediction: Freer wins scoring title
Forestville has an exciting group this season with a number of names such as Jess Simons, Maddy Freer, Carra Annetts and Gabi Vidmar all set for big 2024 campaigns. Up and coming star coach Georgia Crouch will take the reins for the Eagles this season as they attempt to compete for finals after finishing seventh in 2023, and they could very well make the grade if top players reach their potential. Maddy Freer has signed on after a brilliant year of averaging 18 points and if the young gun takes an expected leap on the offensive end, the Eagles could put together a deep finals push.
NORTH ADELAIDE ROCKETS
Home Stadium: The Lights Community & Sports Centre – 244-270 East Pkwy, Lightsview
Coach: Brenton Johnson
Players (roster): Genna Anderson, Lauren Badenoch, Tia Bails, Brooke Basham, Ella Battish, Tayla Corrigan, Grace Facchini, Jordyn Freer, Sasha Hardin, Abbey Jones, Lauren Mansfield, Kelsey McKay, Sarah Warner, Shannon Webber, Lucy Wootton, Rachael Savage, Sophie Franz, Casey Goggins, Trinity West, Kaitlyn Smith
Finished last year: 4th
Key recruit: Lauren Mansfield (returning)
Who to look out for and why: Brooke Basham
Headline we’d like to see: Rockets fly to championship
Our bold prediction: Top two finish and championship win
Veteran North Adelaide women’s coach Brenton Johnson returns for another season at the helm and would undoubtedly be excited by the talented list at his disposal. With talented all-round guard Lauren Mansfield returning to accompany star player and 2023 league leading scorer Brooke Basham, Johnson will have what could be the best back-court in the competition to work with. Pair these two key players with impressive forward Tayla Corrigan, and the Rockets look set to challenge anyone in their way this year. Do not be surprised if North Adelaide improves on last season and rediscovers the winning formula which saw it claim the 2018 championship and make the 2021 grand final.
NORWOOD FLAMES
Home Stadium: The ARC – 531 Lower North East Rd, Campbelltown
Coach: Richard Dickel
Players (roster): Alek Akuen, Maddy Hinton, Eva Langton, Mia Parkin, Alice Sabine, Caitlin Shillabeer, Brooke Silby, Isabella Stratford, Ella Turnbull, Polly Turner, Annika Uzcategui-Montenegro, Jemima Whitton, Emily Winter, Mischa Bukley, Amber Bing, Maddison Webber, Serena Waters
Finished last year: Champions
Key recruit: Emily Winter
Who to look out for and why: Star forward Emily Winter returns to the Flames after a strong season with Woodville and will bring her club a much-needed scoring punch and defensive presence in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Flames defy odds to win second straight title
Our bold prediction: Flames put up fight but drop out of championship contention
With 2023 grand final MVP and season all-star Alex Wilson yet to be locked in for the 2024 season, the Flames may struggle to reach the same heights they did last year. However, with Isabella Stratford joining the team after another impressive NBL1 campaign and Emily Winter also arriving after a dominant season with Woodville, the Flames could stay competitive and make a finals push. Former WNBL, NZNBL and BLNO coach Richard Dickel has also joined the club after its 2023 championship run and could be set to bring a new approach and revitalise the team as it attempts to go back-to-back. If Winter and Stratford can fire for the Flames, they may make some noise in finals again.
SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS
Home Stadium: Mitchell Park Sports & Community Centre – 139 Bradley Grove
Coach: John Turnbull
Players (roster): Mikaela Brown, Hatti Cox, Cherita Daugherty, Sam Defrancesco, Lauren Gibbons, Georgina Hatchard, Brittany Hodges, Willow Homersham, Sophie Martin, Darcy Rees, Ashleigh Spencer, Lacey Stewart, Hannah Stewart, Rosie Williamson, Phoebe Wittwer-Smith, Laura Richmond, Vanessa Stanfield
Finished last year: 5th
Key recruit: Ashleigh Spencer (returning)
Who to look out for and why: Forward Ashleigh Spencer is the obvious choice for a player to watch at South Adelaide, the standout star producing yet another fantastic season for the Panthers in 2023 and set to back it up this year. Capable of doing it all, Spencer averaged 20 points, three assists and nearly six rebounds last year.
Headline we’d like to see: Panthers pounce to mount finals challenge
Our bold prediction: Club challenges for finals but drops out late
John Turnbull’s Panthers side will rely on Ashleigh Spencer to dominate offensively again this season after a standout 2023 campaign in which she averaged nearly 16 points, but others will also need to step up with support on both ends of the court if the Panthers want to make finals. The club will also see a number of experienced players return including Rosie Williamson, Lauren Gibbons and Darcy Rees and while a repeat of last season’s finals push may seem unlikely, veteran player leadership as well as coaching by the NBL1-finals experienced John Turnbull could see the club make the postseason again.
SOUTHERN TIGERS
Home Stadium: Morphett Vale Basketball Stadium – Sports Park Dr, Morphett Vale
Coach: Matt Clark
Players (roster): Annie Bartsch, Abbye Beeche, Tara Dodman, Hannah Frisby-Smith, Margot Hall, A’Lexus Harrison, Sophie Kerridge, Mollie McKedrick, Keeley Round, Regan Scheneck, Charlotte Southam-Clark, Bianca Stasinowsky, Anneka Tziavas, Lauren Whitbread
Finished last year: 2nd
Key recruit: Sophie Kerridge
Who to look out for and why: Mollie McKendrick returns to the Tigers after a strong 2023 season during which she averaged 18 points, five assists and nearly 10 rebounds. The dominant forward is capable of taking over a game on either end of the floor.
Headline we’d like to see: Tigers take next step after 2023 heartbreak
Our bold prediction: Top three finish and grand finalist
The addition of well-rounded 2023 Norwood championship captain Sophie Kerridge could prove to be a major one for the Tigers who fell just short of a grand final appearance last season. Star coach Matt Clark will lead the club yet again this year and he has managed to retain a number of stars such as Mollie McKendrick and up and coming young gun Bianca Stasinowsky. With the finals disappointment of season 2023 undoubtedly motivating the Tigers heading into this season, the added championship experience of Kerridge and the scoring prowess of McKendrick could very well see the side take the next step and taste championship glory.
STURT SABRES
Home Stadium: Springbank Secondary College – 267 Daws Rd, Pasadena
Coach: Tim Shortt
Players (roster): Rosie Akot, Tayla Brazel, Sydney Brown, Emily Close, Tahlia Griffiths, Kayla Mathews, Nicola Mathews, Soriah Moon, Lana Mudronja, Paige Padroth, Chelsea Portus, Meg Prosser, Jasmine Simmons, Zoe Walker-Roberts, Mia Walker-Roberts, Halle Njoroge, Mikayla Tatarelli, Emillie Walsh, Meg Butcher, Madi Fleming
Finished last year: Runners-up
Key recruit: Jasmine Simmons
Who to look out for and why: Former Crows AFLW player Jasmine Simmons has joined Sturt after a successful tenure with West Adelaide which saw her claim Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Look for her to provide a major boost for the Sabres on both ends.
Headline we’d like to see: Sabres sail to top
Our bold prediction: Brazel claims second consecutive defensive player of the year
Sturt will head into 2024 having lost a second consecutive grand final in the women’s competition. While the Sabres will be without key big Mikayla Williams, who claimed last season’s MVP award, they welcome Jasmine Simmons back toi join the likes of star guard Tayla Brazel and up and coming young gun Rosie Ako. The Sabres could find it difficult to compete with the very best without Williams, but the likes of Brazel and Simmons should see the side shut a lot of teams out with elite defence. The club will clash with Forestville, North Adelaide and Norwood through its first three weeks in what will be a big test to start the season. If the side can get through that period with a positive record, it could be safe to expect big things this year.
WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS
Home Stadium: Port Adelaide Recreation Centre – 50 Vincent St
Coach: Mark Billington
Players (roster): Abby Brenton, Molly Coleman, Sienna Grieger, Bethany Heaft, Coco Hodges, Staci Kennedy, Sky Langenbrink, Michaela Lappin, Keeley Pearce, Daneesha Provo, Georgina Salandra, Ashlee Strawbridge, Krystal Thompson, Eliza Woolley, Paige York, Lilli Heijkoop, Mackenzie Hill, Shannon Thompson
Finished last year: 6th
Key recruit: Molly Coleman (returning)
Who to look out for and why: Former SA U20 player Sienna Grieger could be set to hit another gear this season after experiencing NBL1 basketball last year. The exciting young guard boasts a wide skill set and could help her side reach new heights in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Bearcats battle for finals
Our bold prediction: Top five finish
Talented forward Molly Coleman has signed on with the Bearcats for this season, while developing young stars Sienna Grieger and Coco Hodges should also hit another gear this year. Last season’s assistant coach, Mark Billington will take charge of the side this season and should see continued improvement from his squad throughout. While the Bearcats missed out on finals last year, the club is no stranger to performing in the postseason, most recently winning a title in 2022. If the club can be within reach of the top five in the tail-end of its 2024 campaign, expect the side to come up big when it matters most.
WOODVILLE WARRIORS
Home Stadium: St Clair Recreation Centre – 109 Woodville Rd
Coach: Ben MacCulloch
Players (roster): Naomi Allotey, Ida Andersson, Chelsea Apacible, Tayla Brook, Holly Forbes, Ashleigh Haigh, Amy Hoskins, Eliza Joynes, Natalia Lalic, Katherine Perkas, Ashalea Perry, Chloe Purvis, Jaydan Thomson, Annaliese Watkinson, Molly Whitmore, Mykaela Walker, Amelia Davies
Finished last year: 9th
Key recruit: Natalia Lalic
Who to look out for and why: American import Holly Forbes has joined Woodville after previous seasons with South Adelaide and the skilled forward should bring toughness on both ends for her new club.
Headline we’d like to see: Imports excite for Woodville
Our bold prediction: Club misses finals but takes big scalps
Woodville enters the season as a relative unknown in 2024 after losing star player Nicole Fransson and adding foreign flair with Natalia Lalic, Holly Forbes and Ida Andersson at the guard and forward positions. Coach Ben MacCulloch and the Warriors will be looking for their new recruits to step up from the jump this year and they may surprise a few big teams if they can adjust to the competition quickly. With West Adelaide, Southern Tigers and Eastern Mavericks set to be Woodville’s first three opponents, the Warriors could be a strong chance to pick up one or two wins to kickstart what many expect to be a challenging year.
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Originally published as Full club-by-club preview of the 2024 NBL1 Central women’s basketball season
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