Talented guard steps into Fire

ONE of Tasmania’s most lethal long-range shooters is about to get the opportunity to test herself at the highest level in the country.

Despite the postponement of the NBL1 season costing prospective WNBL hopefuls a chance to showcase their talents, Sharna Thompson has landed a maiden contract in the league.

The sweet-shooting guard has signed with the Townsville Fire.

Earlier this year the WNBL announced there would be no restricted players (imports) featuring in the 2020-21 season due to the impact of COVID-19.

This has opened the door for emerging Australian talent to earn a roster spot and Thompson’s body of work for the Hobart Chargers and Huskies has b been enough to convince the Fire to snap up the talented 20- year- old (pictured).

C h a r g e r s coach Mark Nash, who also served as Thompson’s agent when he held accreditation two years ago, said the rising star would not be out of place in the WNBL.

“Sharna is an incredible talent and is an absolute credit to basketball in southern Tasmania,” Nash said.

“It is a really exciting step for Sharna and this is a really fantastic opportunity as well.

“The way the WNBL is structured this year with no imports, it really does open up other opportunities for Australian players like Sharna.

“I am confident she is ready and teams better get a hand up, she will be coming out hot no doubt, and I can’t wait to see a breakout game.”

A former Tasmanian under-age representative, Thompson joined the Chargers program as a 15-year-old in 2016 and by her second year at then SEABL level was proving herself as a dangerous three-point threat.

She had been lighting up the SBL competition with Phoenix, pouring in a staggering 136 points across a threematch stretch early last month.