A brand new team with the same exciting play is what coach Derrick Washington hopes to bring to Tornadoes fans in 2019.
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US duo Stephanie Gardner and Brittany Hodges have joined New Zealander Stella Beck as the Torns’ three key imports for the 2019 season, replacing Opals squad members Lauren Nicholson, Lauren Mansfield and Ally Wilson.
Set to compete in the Victorian Elite League in the wake of the SEABL’s disbandment, the Tornadoes will return to training this week to begin a brand new era in the club’s history.
The team will train with its imports for the first time next month, and play its first match on March 30.
After arriving in Launceston on Sunday, Washington can’t wait to get going.
“Like I said last year, it’s going to be exciting play,” he said.
“Stephanie Gardner is a dynamic point guard, she can play one, two, three.
‘She’s a great point guard and playing in Sweden right now, Brittany Hodges played in Luxembourg last year and averaged a double double.
“And Stella Beck from New Zealand is who I’m really excited about as well, she played in the States for St Marys and averaged 16 points, four rebounds and four assists so she’s going to bring a good dynamic.
“All three of those players have a lot of experience so they’ll be able to help our local players get better on and off the floor.”