Two more sign on for the Rush

THE makeup of the Selkirk Ballarat Rush squad that’ll take to the court for the upcoming NBL1 South season is becoming clearer with two more experienced players recently announced.

Last week, Basketball Ballarat system product Claire Constable signalled her return, followed a few days later by club games record holder Kristy Rinaldi, who rejoins after a few years away.

Constable is now in her fifth season with the Rush and the 170-centimetre-tall guard/ point guard said she’s aiming to make gains on and off the court.

“I love playing my role and doing what Eric Hayes and Megan Collins ask me, but I really want to step up a little bit and be a leader and a role model,” she said.

“I’d like to have some of those moments in a game where I can make a difference.”

Originally from Maryborough, Constable has spent considerable time in the Basketball Ballarat system before making the jump to the Rush senior squad.

It’s a journey that’s important to her.

“I love that I’ve been a Ballarat junior, go through the development program and the youth league and now in the Rush,” she said.

“It’s a really good thing for the young players out there that are not necessarily from Ballarat, but the surrounding areas, to know they can still make it into the big time.”

Fellow newly announced resigning Rinaldi has over 13 years with the Rush and played just under 300 games over that stretch.

The 181-centimetre forward said she was looking forward to getting out on court with her old team.

“I’m really excited to be back playing with the Selkirk Ballarat Rush after a few years away,” she said.

“Ballarat is my home town and to be back in the Rush colours is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I love the family atmosphere it has, it really is like no other place. The community and fans are what makes you want to play here.”

Even though Rinaldi signed on for the Rush last year, COVID put the kybosh on the season, and as a result the club’s new home court never got the true baptism it deserved, something that Rinaldi is keen to take part in this year.

“I also can’t wait to play in the new Ballarat Sports Events Centre,” she said.

“Ballarat and the NBL1 have done an incredible job to get this season up and running considering the global pandemic.

“It will be a really tough season with some great players returning to the league and I know all the girls can’t wait to get out there.”

Constable and Rinaldi join Alicia Froling and Claire Blower as confirmed in the Rush’s 2021 line up.

While there’s no fixture for the NBL1 South season yet, games are expected to get underway in April.