Sunbury Jets have added more firepower to their women’s Big V state championship side with the signing of two international recruits.
Having announced most of their squad, the Jets last week said they’d signed Ireland’s Orla O’Reilly and New Zealander Josie Stockill.
Both players have represented their country at senior level.
O’Reilly has captained Ireland’s national team and joins the Jets after a season playing for Bembibre in the top Spanish league, Ligue Féminine de Basketball (LFB).
She has also played professionally in the Czech Republic and represented Ireland in three-on-three competitions.
O’Reilly says she’s keen to help the Jets make the transition from a division 1 side to a championship division team.
“I’m very happy to be joining the Sunbury Jets this season,” she said. “One of the things that’s stood out most for me is how unselfish they are; they spread the floor, move the ball really well and play aggressive defence.
“I think I will fit in well with the team’s style of play at both ends and, at six-foot-one, I’ll bring a bit of versatility to the line-up.”
O’Reilly says she’s also looking forward to getting involved with the Junior Jets program, sharing her experience with the younger players.
Jets’ coach Kennedy Kereama says O’Reilly will bring versatility to the side.
She will also add some serious perimeter power.
“She brings European playing experience and has also captained her national side. From a skills standpoint, Orla brings versatility and is able to play and defend a number of positions. She has a great shot with her feet set or off the dribble, and has excellent finishing ability going at the hoop.”
Stockill, who has previously played under Kereama with the New Zealand Tall Ferns, adds length and experience to the Jets’ front court.
Stockill attended Colgate University in America, where she was the starting centre, averaging just over 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks per game. She graduated last year.
Kereama says Stockill is hungry to learn and improve her game.
“Josie will bring some much-needed length and athleticism to our group. I think her ability to rebound, run the middle lane, finish around the basket and defend the paint will give us some great interior presence.”
The pair join Chelsea Burns, Monique Stevens, Courtney Duever, Kayla and Bethany Theodore, Alex Darby, Genevieve McCorkell, Rebecca Marshall, Sharon Plichta, Shea Crotty, Jessica Slade and Rebecca Van Kuyk in the Jets’ team for their first season in top division.
