Home grown talent locked in for another season after exploring interstate options for 2021

Having experienced WNBL life for the first time over summer, Sharna Thompson is eager to elevate her game to another level after recommitting to the Hobart Chargers for the NBL1 season

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INTEREST from rival NBL1 clubs had Sharna Thompson seriously considering a move interstate for the 2021 season.

Ultimately the pulling power of the Chargers culture convinced her rejoin her home town side as she looks to take further steps advancing her game.

Fresh from her first taste of WNBL life after spending the summer with the Townsville Fire, Thompson will be tasked with more responsibility in the back court for Hobart to expand her game from purely a shooting threat.

“My agent and I were in some chats with some other clubs, but obviously Hobart’s my home and I really love playing here and obviously get to play in front of family and friends,” Thompson said.

Basketballer Sharna Thompson is returning to the Hobart Chargers. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The main thing is the culture here and the girls, I love training with the girls and just the atmosphere at home when the home crowd gets up and about is really great.

“It was definitely on the charts to play elsewhere, obviously my move to Townsville makes it easier to move away from home now, it’s not my first time.

“But chatting with my agent we thought the best thing would be to stay home for the season and really show what we’ve got.

“I think that my role has definitely changed now that I have some WNBL experience, I think I’m definitely going to step up as a leader.”

The sweet shooter is the second player to put pen to paper for the Chargers, joining Ellie Collins.

Coach Mark Nash has several high profile stars he is hoping to add — familiar face Kathleen Scheer and Opal Cayla George top the list — but locking away local talent has been a high priority.

“Sharna is known as a lethal shooter, but we’re really excited this year to keep seeing her add to her game with some more responsibility the way our team is coming together,” Nash said.

“There’s more responsibility in the back court for Sharna, and we really looking forward to working with her and seeing her role change, potentially playing a bit in the point guard position as well.”

Basketballer Sharna Thompson will be entrusted with more responsibility for the Hobart Chargers in 2021. Picture: Chris Kidd

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