NEW Launceston Tornadoes coach Reece Potter has finalised his senior squad for the SEABL’s 2015 season.
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Potter, who has joined the club from the Sydney University Flames in the WNBL, has announced a squad of 11 players after a series of trials and senior-training sessions.
‘‘I’m extremely excited about the playing roster we have produced for the season ahead of us,’’ he said.
‘‘There is a good balance of experience and youth throughout the team,’’.
Potter said there were many positives about the team headed by the group’s commitment and the players’ desire to go about things in the right way.
‘‘They are hardworking and passionate athletes, they are all great role models for junior basketball players in Northern Tasmania and I am proud to be their coach,’’ he said.
Late last year the club announced WNBL players Lauren Mansfield and Alex Wilson would join the list of local players for 2015, with Mansfield signing on for her third year and Wilson being recruited from the Townsville Fire.
Tornadoes president Janie Finlay said the signing of Mansfield and Wilson had filled the physical gaps in the squad and it gave local players the opportunity to develop and lead the team into the future.
‘‘Our squad is a reflection of Reece’s great program and the level of passion and commitment shown by everyone already has been outstanding,’’ she said.
‘‘I can’t wait to witness our team come together over the next few weeks ready to compete,’’.
Finlay said she was confident the team was capable of pushing for the SEABL play-offs this year and that it would represent the Northern Tasmanian community with pride.
The Tornadoes have announced the appointment of Michael Johnstone from the North-West as their assistant coach to Potter.
Johnstone is the Tasmanian under 20 women’s coach and coach of the Wynyard Wildcats women’s team in the NWBU.
Johnstone has been conducting pre-season training for the Tornadoes under the direction of Reece until the head coach moves down from Sydney when the WNBL roster is over.
‘‘Michael’s expertise and assistance will be invaluable through out the season and he’s already having an impact on the program,’’ Finlay said.
‘‘He’s been training the girls at full game pace and it’s all coming together so well.’’
LAUNCESTON TORNADOES SQUAD: Emilee Harmon, Nina Howard, Liz Howe, Gemma Korpershoek, Lauren Mansfield, Ali Partridge, Mariah Payne, Sami Phillips, Mikaela Ruef, Emma Russell, Alex Wilson.