Unfinished business for Eagles’ ace

RACHAEL Bland has revealed her passion for growing North East basketball is stronger than ever after recommitting to Newcastle Eagles WBBL.

The popular Wearsider was spotted courtside with head coach Chris Bunten as Newcastle’s men took on a USA Select in last Friday’s Vertu Motors Arena clash.

Bland (pictured below) also played a full part in Saturday’s behind-closed-doors scrimmage against old foes Sheffield as the Eagles women continued their own pre-season programme.

She said: “I always wanted to come back but every year I need to make sure I am in a position to fully commit to my teammates alongside my full-time job and a PHD.

“My heart is in the community and in local basketball. That has never changed.

“Representing Newcastle Eagles in the WBBL offers me a great platform to go on and build the women’s game.

“I feel like I have unfinished business as far as the community side of things is concerned.”

Bland added: “I am talking about getting girls and boys involved here.

“It feels as if there is a momentum shift around the women’s game and it is an exciting time to be involved in the sport right now.

“I want to play my part in encouraging as many people as possible to watch Newcastle Eagles WBBL this season.”

Bland heads into her eighth successive season as a member of Tyneside’s only top-flight women’s basketball team.

She said: “Of course, what we achieved towards the end of last season made the decision to return even easier.

“When I look back it was amazing we went all the way to the play-off final.

“When you consider the challenges we faced through the peak of the pandemic and think about the size of our roster it was a remarkable run.

“I was proud to be a part of it and it is time to build on that play-off experience.”