By Tara Murray
Two of the Sunbury Jets biggest names are back on board for next year’s Big V state championship season.
The Jets announced this week that Courtney Duever and Orla O’Reilly had signed and would be part of the Jets squad which is looking to trying to win a fourth straight championship.
Duever returns to the court next season after missing this year through a knee injury, which she sustained while playing with the Melbourne Boomers in the Women’s National Basketball League. She had signed with the Jets for this year, before the injury occurred.
In her last Big V season in 2017, Duever was named the overall and grand final series state championship most valuable player.
She averaged nearly 23 points and 10 rebounds during that season. In her first season with the Jets, she was the division 1 grand final series MVP and was named and in the all-star five team.
Jets coach Kennedy Kereama said he was thrilled to have Duever back on board and that she was already back at training.
“I know how frustrating it has been for Courtney and how long a road it has been trying to get back on her feet.
“Courtney is such a competitor and easily one of the most determined players I have ever coached.
“There was nothing that was going to stop her from making a comeback.
“I’m so proud of how hard she has worked to get back to where she is now and of course we are all looking forward to having her back on the court.”
Orla O’Reilly will also return to the Jets for a third season.
O’Reilly was named in the state championship all-star five team this year and was the grand final series most valuable player.
She averaged 18 points and nearly six rebounds a game this season.
O’Reilly is currently playing with with KR Reykjavik in the Iceland-Dominos League, where she is currently averaging 17.5 points, 10 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game.
“Orla is a very talented player who has played a very big part in our teams’ success over the last two seasons, so it is great to have her back,” Kereama said.
“She will no doubt be coming back to us in great playing form which is a huge bonus.”
O’Reilly will join the Jets when she finishes her commitments in Iceland.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/wallan-panthers-looking-to-bounce-back/
