Miners sign three-point shooting star

AS next month’s 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season kick-off approaches, former Melbourne Tiger Isabella Brancatisano has been named the newest member of the Ballarat Miners Women.

Part of the Geelong Supercats for five years before making the move to Melbourne, the 170-centimetre guard has also contributed to the WNBL with the West Coast Waves and South East Queensland Stars.

“Ballarat is a well-respected club throughout Australia with a good culture, and I am looking forward to playing in the new stadium,” she said.

“I am really excited to join the Miners this year. Herbie [head coach David Herbert] and I team up really well and I really enjoy playing under him.”

Herbert said he is “delighted” to see Brancatisano make the move to Ballarat, bringing her current averages of 14.64 points, 3.35 assists, and 5.35 rebounds into the team.

“Isa is a very underrated player in the NBL1, while her statistics tell a different story,” he said.

“An exceptional three-point shooter and dangerous offensive rebounder, Isa will add some real scoring punch for our roster.

“Having coached Isa previously is a great thing. It’s like me having another set of eyes on the court who can help teach and preach our style of play. Isa has grown into a leader that the Ballarat community will embrace.”

Ballarat Basketball senior elite teams committee member Lynly Doherty is excited for the season to begin, and for the team to grow together.

“Isa’s work ethic and leadership have seen her achieve great success and we are looking forward to her building on that within our program,” she said.

The Miners season gets underway with home games against the Geelong Supercats at Selkirk Stadium on Wednesday, 23 April.