Scannell stays on for third season

GEELONG United’s NBL Women’s side is starting to take shape with the club announcing another returning face to its 2024 roster.

Irish national team representative and veteran guard Jessica Scannell has committed to a third season at The Geelong Arena, in a club announcement two months out from Geelong’s season opener against Ballarat.

Scannell joins fellow returning players Sarah Elsworthy and Eve Braslis, as well as new Geelong United player Kobe Tehau King-Hawea among Matt Paton’s 2024 roster ahead of its Round 1 clash against the Miners on Sunday, April 7.

“I’m really looking forward to being back for this season,” Scannell said.

“I’ve loved being a part of Geelong for the previous two seasons, I’m definitely someone who is big on sticking with a club, making a home there and developing a program over a period of time.

“When I first came to Australia in 2015, I had to move around a lot to secure my sports visa, but after I got my permanent residency and citizenship, Geelong allowed me to settle in and continue to play in one spot.

“The coaches and the club as well have made me feel really welcome here, it was never a situation of if I was deciding to play here again, it was definitely more whether or not they would have me back.”

Scannell was a popular figure in Coach Paton’s 2023 side, helping the team reach the NBL1 South preliminary final.

The Cork native also won the side’s Players’ Player Award, averaging 6.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 25 minutes per game.

Adding to her recent success, Scannell was named to the Irish national squad for the first time in 14 years last November for the country’s FIBA EuroBasket Qualifier.

In her showing, she secured the second-most points and minutes among her side, finishing the contest with 14 points across 29 minutes of play.

“The best part for me here in Geelong is the people,” Scannell said.

“I think when you’re playing with a group of girls you respect and admire, you play better, and that’s the great thing about Geelong.

“There’s no egos, everyone just wants to come in and work. It will be exciting to see how the rest of the side pans out over the next few weeks.”

Three key individuals remain without a designation for this season.

Australian Opal Chantel Horvat, Japanese national Monica Okoye, and Townsville Fire player Ella Tofaeono are without updates on if they will suit up for Geelong United this coming season.