Rush Making a Splash

The Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush have made another signing just before Christmas with Bendigo Spirit player Ashleigh Spencer signing on for her first year in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

Spencer known to many as Splash joined the Bendigo Sprit after competing for South Adelaide in the second half of last year once she had returned to Australia after completing four years at College with Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri in the NAIA Division 1.

Spencer spent a lot of time on her game continually working and improving whilst in College and her efforts were rewarded with her being named Freshman of the Year after the 2011-12 season as well as being selected in the first team All-Conferences three times and awarded NAIA All-American three years in a row.

Spencer in her first Women National Basketball League (WNBL) season with Bendigo is averaging 4.8 minutes per game and is relishing the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level in Australia. “I am having an absolute blast, still pinching myself that I get to learn from and play with some of the greats in the game”.

Rush Elite Teams Chair Kym Cassells is excited with how the Rush’s roster is shaping “We identified Ashleigh early on and with Dave also working with her at the Spirit he was very impressed with her work ethic and skill so we are thrilled she has decided to play her first SEABL season with us here at the Rush.”

Spencer is the fifth player with WNBL experience that the Rush have signed for season 2016 following on from Abbey Wehrung, Kristy Rinaldi, team mate Molly Mathews and Kasey Burton.

Rush Head Coach Dave Flint said “It’s great that Ashleigh has signed on, she is very enthusiastic and that will be contagious around the group.”

Spencer jumped at the opportunity to play under Flint at the Rush “Dave is a wonderful guy and a great coach, so I know he is going to do great things at the Rush. On top of that, I’ve only ever heard good things about Basketball Ballarat.”

Spencer has looked at all the Rush signings and is eager for the season to start “I’m really excited about what Dave has planned for this team. I see our main strength as our versatility and being able to move players through various positions without disruption.”

Spencer will start training with the Ballarat Rush at the conclusion of Bendigo WNBL season.

 

For more information about on Ashleigh Spencers signing or any other signings for the Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush or GMHBA Ballarat Miners please contact Basketball Ballarat Elite Teams Administrator Melissa Thomas via 5330 7604 or Melissa.Thomas@ballaratbasketball.com