Move to Miners marks duo’s new era

A BENDIGO basketball duo are making the move to Ballarat for the 2024 Mitsubishi NBL1 South Season.

Ballarat Miners Women have signed former Bendigo Spirit athletes, Tasmania’s Micah Simpson and Queensland centre Ella Gordon.

“I’m excited to experience playing in the NBL1 South competition against quality opposition teams,” Gordon said.

“Having already played in both the North and East conferences, this has given me great learning experiences that I am keen to build on.

“I am also looking forward to playing alongside some of my Bendigo Spirit teammates and [women’s head coach Kennedy] Kereama.”

A swingman, Simpson also comes to the miners with NBL1 South experience from time in Launceston, and as much excitement as Gordon.

“I’ve heard so many great things about the club, and more importantly, the people involved,” Simpson said.

“I can’t wait to get started and compete for a championship.”

Kereama said Gordon and Simpson are rising stars and they’re lucky to have them call Selkirk Stadium their new home.

“Micah will be completing her second year as a development player with the Spirit and her growth has been exceptional during this time,” he said.

“I believe an environment like the one we are building in Ballarat will be a perfect platform for her to continue to evolve her game.

“Micah will bring a great understanding of the system I will implement and is a very versatile and skilled guard who can create a shot for her teammates and herself.

“She has developed under one of Australia’s most experienced and best point guards for the last two WNBL seasons.”

Kereama said Gordon has been facing injury, but is gaining some momentum, and feeling good.

“At six foot, four inches, she brings our group some much-needed size, rebounds, sets screens, has good hands, and can finish around the rim,” he said.

“She also has the ability to stretch the floor and prides herself in doing all the gritty defensive tasks.

“Given she has picked up basketball later in life she has made significant inroads for such a late starter.”

Millie Cracknell, Milly Sharp, Jemma Amoore, and Abbey Wehrung have also signed on ahead of a round one clash with Bendigo Spirit on Wednesday 3 April.