Spirit Sign Sharp Shooter

With a nod to both the short and long-term future of the club, the Bendigo Bank Spirit has re-signed Kara Tessari for the 2018-19 WNBL season.

It will be the 19-year old’s third season with the club, after coming off the rookie list in 2016-17 to replace an injured Kerryn Harrington.

A stellar start to the SEABL season with the Champions IGA Lady Braves has seen Kara average almost 15 points a game, at almost 60 per cent from beyond the arc.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Kara back to the Spirit,” coach Simon Pritchard said.

“She has earned her spot on the team through her commitment to development and improvement of her skills and knowledge of WNBL basketball.

“Key to that was the decision to represent Bendigo with the Lady Braves. A couple of weeks ago she shot the house down, scoring 31 points against Albury.

“We look forward to her being mentored by our new point guard Nat Hurst. Kara and Nat will work closely together to accelerate Kara’s learning, so she will be ready to lead the team in the near future.

“Kara is a player who is a proven winner and she will play a key part in our aim to return to the WNBL finals in this season.”

The Central Victorian guard said representing country Victoria in the best competition in Australia was a dream come true.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to play with the Spirt and continue to call Bendigo home for another season,” she said.

“I am really excited to work with the team that Simon has put together, and I am really eager to work with Nat and continue my development under her.

“I have so much to learn and I can’t wait for the season to come around and get started.”