A big boost for women’s basketball in the Auckland region comes with the news that the 2015 Mexicali Fresh Summer Jam will feature a four team competition alongside the successful men’s version.
Current Tall Ferns Megan Craig and Jordan Hunter will headline the women’s competition with a supporting cast that includes a host of senior WBC players and age group representative players.
The four teams have adopted the names of WNBA franchises Suns, Sparks, Sky and Storm.
The team lists are below although subject to change.
Team Sky
Robyn Blackstock
Amanda Buck
Deena Franklin
Georgia Henare
Ayla Hoeta
Annabelle Jenkins
Zara Jillings
Breana Jones
Courtenay Le’au’anae
Jessica Nicholson
Katelin Noyer
Steph Rigter
Team Storm
Coola Baudry
Jordan Hunter
Tabitha Jenkins
Kate Lacey
Angela McKay
Milomilo Nanai
Millie Nathan
Idaho Purcell
Riana Rangi-Brown
Moania Spooner
Mina Tamatoa
Hannah Turton
The Suns
Kelcy Ballantyne
Sophie Bond
Jody Cameron
Tiarna Clarke
Rosie Davison
Bronwyn Kjestrup
Charlisse Leger-Walker
Krystal Leger-Walker
Claire McCurran
Sharne Pupuke-Robati
Camece Salmon
Leiani Tautiepa
The Sparks
Aleesha Coulter
Megan Craig
Annaline Crosbie
Gracie Hasler-Ewins
Rebecca Hughes
Sarah Kinred
Anna Lacey
Maria Milani
Georgia Perrott-Hunt
Hailey Purcell
Stevie Theyers
Olympian Jody Cameron will lead the Suns in a player/coach role. The Suns will include Rangitoto College captain Sophie Bond and New Zealand Under 17 guard Tiarna Clarke. Bronwyn Kjestrup a WBC championship winner from Gold Rush Otago will bolster the forward ranks as will Tauranga City Coaster’s Kelcy Ballantyne.
Megan Craig will lead the Sparks accompanied by Tall Ferns trialist Hailey Purcell, her Auckland Lady Hawks teammate Aleesha Coulter and experienced guards Stevee Theyers (Waitakere Rangers) and Anna Lacey (Harbour Breeze).
Former Tall Ferns Amanda Buck and Deena Franklin will join forces for team Sky with the Waitakere Lady Rangers pair of Courtenay Le’au’anae and Jessica Nicholson providing support. The Westlake Girls tyro’s Zara Jillings and Katelin Noyer will get the opportunity to display their undoubted promise at senior level.
Jordan Hunter will pace the Storm alongside former Canterbury Wildcats guard Hannah Turton and Idaho Purcell. Forward punch will come from the experience Milly Nathan (Harbour Breeze) and Milomilo Nanai (Rangers)
Games will be played at Atlas Place the home of the SKY CITY Breakers on Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm; the first round will be played on Saturday October 31st.
LACEY LOWDOWN 