Miners announce two early names

WHILE the start of the 2023 NBL1 South season is still months away, the hasn’t stopped the Ballarat Miners from preparing their team sheets.

Recently two key players have joined the club, including the return of WNBL journeywoman Abbey Wehrung.

A product of the Basketball Ballarat system, the 1.78-metre-tall guard last played with the club in 2016 before heading off to spend time with WNBL teams Canberra Capitals, Adelaide Lightening and is currently plying her trade with the undefeated Bendigo Spirit.

“I am super excited to be back with my junior club, close to home and family especially my new little niece, Bonnie,” Wehrung said.

“I am also excited to work with Bakes [Women’s Head Coach Rob Baker] again and see what we can do.

“Rob has always instilled so much belief in me and my game since I was a junior, so I know he’ll be wonderful for all the players as a head coach and I’m super excited to see him flourish.”

On the Men’s bench Zac Dunmore inked his return for the 2023 season.

A 185-centimetre guard, Dunmore hails from Ararat where he’s been playing for the Redbacks in the Country Basketball League over summer and averaging 32 points a game.

For the Miners last season he averaged a more sedate 6.77 points per game in limited playing time.

“Playing with Ararat Redback in the CBL has helped keep up my match fitness and in-game shooting reps,” he Dunmore said.

“I have been working hard on my individual skills and getting into the RAD gym as much as I can to get stronger and keep building muscle to help me compete with the bigger guys in the NBL1.”