Former AFLW gun to wear ‘The Map’

A former AFLW flag winner is set to don ‘The Map’ on Saturday, and A Tasmanian sharpshooters is set to play a key role in his school’s NCAA Tournament hopes. Get the latest in Sport Shorts.

Jess Wuetschner with the AFLW Premiership Cup. Picture Jonathan Laird

Rising Tasmanian basketball star Reyne Smith will return from injury just in time for US college basketball’s biggest competition, the NCAA tournament.

Louisville coach Pat Kelsey has confirmed Smith will return to the Cardinals line-up for their tournament opener against Creighton on Friday morning AEDT.

Smith, who is averaging 13.4 points on 39.4 per cent shooting, including 38.4 per cent from deep, this season has been sidelined since early March with an ankle injury.

He has missed the last four games of Louisville’s season.

The Ulverstone product made the move to the Cardinals for the 2024-25 season, joining coach Kelsey in making the move from the Charleston Cougars where had played since 2021.

He’s gone onto break the school’s record for most three-pointers in a season.

“We’re excited. Medical staff has done an unbelievable job. He’s been working tirelessly on his rehab and his recovery, but he’s going to be ready to go,” Kelsey told reporters in America.

Smith has emerged as one of college basketball’s best shooters this season, averaging 9.2 attempts from deep a game.

“Obviously, Reyne’s elite,” Kelsey said earlier this month when the sharpshooter was injured.

“Reyne’s one of the best shooters in college basketball.

“One of the best shooters that I’ve ever coached, but we have a bunch of guys who can make shots.”

Reyne Smith. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

HOW OTHER TASMANIANS HAVE FARED

Lachlan Brewer, Sacramento State

The freshman guard out of Launceston started in 28 out of 31 games he played. He averaged 6ppg and was reliable from deep shooting 44.6 per cent.

Rubi Gray, Sacramento State

Gray, from Devonport, found plenty of consistent minutes off the bench for the Hornets during her freshman season. She played 13 minutes a game including 13 starts in 33 appearances. Previously has represented Australia at junior level.

Sharn Hayward, Stonehill

The senior guard out of Penguin has been in brilliant form all season, producing the best numbers of her college career. Hayward played and started 32 games averaging 16.3ppg on 41.5 per cent shooting along with 2.8 assists.

Charli Kay, Southern Utah

Kay played 25 games off the bench for the Thunderbirds after starting 15 of 30 last season. This was her sophomore season.

INDIGENOUS CRICKET SQUAD NAMED

A mixture of CTPL guns and Cricket Tasmania pathways players will represent Tasmania/Lutruwita at the National Indigenous Carnival in Mackay in early April.

The squad will be looking to build on a semi final appearance last year after winning three of five pool games.

The team will also share knowledge and leanings from other Indigenous people around the country.

The team will be coached by Cricket Tasmania Pathways coach Harry Allanby and will be supported by Guy Grey and Scott Pearce who will provide cultural and coaching support.

“This program continues to develop each year, and with record numbers attending our trials across the state, this highlights the depth of Indigenous players playing cricket in our community,” Cricket Tasmania’s general manager – community cricket Alex King said.

Glenorchy’s Brandon Kopper. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“This carnival is a great way for players to represent their culture and connect through cricket and with several players involved in our youth pathway programs, and the tournament will provide another great opportunity for our players to showcase their skills on the National stage,”

The carnival begins on April 2 and the finals on April 7 will be broadcast live on NITV and SBS On Demand.

Cricket Tasmania/Lutruwita squad: Brandon Kopper (Glenorchy), Ben Spinks (Greater Northern Raiders), Lachlan Nichols (Lindisfarne), Rhys French (Ulverstone), Jack Pearce (Ulverstone), Kane Lovell (Glenorchy), Toby Bellchambers (Devonport) Brayden Devries (Greater Northern Raiders), Toby Hutton (Ulverstone), Eli Sheean (Devonport), Russi Sturzaker (Burnie Hurricanes), Hayden Clark-Sullivan (Clarence), Lucas Kamaric (Glenorchy)