Seven new faces named in Gold Rush for 18 in 18

A NEWLOOK Otago Gold Rush squad will take the court next week.

The side has named seven new faces in its 13player squad for the National Basketball League’s women’s competition, being dubbed 18 in 18 this year.

Plenty of experience is gone from last year in the losses of Natalie Visger, Natalie Ivamy (nee Smith), Soraya UmagaJensen, Brittany Richards and sisters Aleisha and Nicole Ruske.

Lisa Wallbutton will go a long way to help replacing some of that.

The forward played more than 100 games for the Tall Ferns and has returned to the court this year after three years off.

Savanna Handevidt, an American who attended Minnesota State University and now lives in Queenstown, and Fay Fualau also add fresh blood to the big spots.

That trio is joined by Tall Fern Zoe Richards, who is back after starring for the team on her return from college last year.

Swingman Bronwyn Kjestrup also brings plenty of experience, having been a key player for the side in recent years.

Former New Zealand agegrade player Te Araroa Sopoaga is a quality addition to the guard lineup.

Tara Clement also gives a strong shooting threat, joining the side after three seasons with the Taranaki Thunder.

Kelly Thompson, who played three games for the team in 2018, and Millie Simpson both also add exceptional perimeter defence.

They join returning backcourt quartet Olivia O’Neill, Hannah Matehaere, Hayley Gray and Georgia Te Au.

The Gold Rush begins its campaign on Monday against the Harbour Breeze and will back up against the Waikato Wizards the following night.

The revamped Covid19 league begins on Thursday and

features six teams, all playing each other once before semifinals and the final.

All 18 games will be played in Auckland over 18 days.