THE Launceston Tornadoes significantly boosted its playing stocks for next SEABL season yesterday with the signing of another two quality recruits.
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Having already re-signed WNBL players Lauren Mansfield and Alex Wilson, the Torns have added the class of US front-court power pair in Emilee Harmon and Mikaela Ruef to their list.
Harmon, a 188-centimetre forward-centre, will return to the SEABL after playing last season with the Albury Wodonga Bandits where she was a standout performer finishing overall second in scoring with 20 points a game and first in rebounding with 11 a game.
Ruef, 190cm, is playing WNBL with the Sydney University Flames and will have her first SEABL season with the Tornadoes.
She boasts a solid inside-outside game and has been a contributor at both ends for the Flames averaging 10 points and eight rebounds.
"Signing Emilee and Mikaela is a huge bonus for us," Tornadoes head coach Reece Potter said.
"The front court is the obvious area we need to build support around and develop over the next few years and our focus on being competitive in the league is balanced with developing our local players in these spots.
"Emilee and Mikaela are both tireless workers, skilful players but most of all great people and the perfect fit for our program."
Both played at the highest level of US college basketball at Ohio State and Sanford respectively.
"We parted ways for college so both are ecstatic about the opportunity to play together again and help bring success to the Tornadoes," Harmon said.
Potter was confident the pair would bring a professional approach to practice and foster a competitive and winning culture for the Tornadoes 2015 program.
Tornadoes president Janie Finlay said the club was excited about the signings.
"Last year we were extremely competitive but it was clear we were not matching up in the frontcourt with other SEABL teams," she said.
"We've maintained our core group with our local girls and the return of Lauren [Mansfield] and Ally [Wilson] with the addition of Emilee and Mikaela this year we'll be sure to improve our position and these girls will bring with them amazing opportunities for our locals to develop their game."
