RELATED:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE Bendigo Lady Braves' season opener has tossed up plenty of memorable debuts in coach Jonathan Goodman's time at the club.
Last year it was Keely Froling with 34 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in a tense three-point win over Ballarat, coupled with a quartet of three-pointers from rising star Jess Rennie.
In 2015 it was Opals star Tessa Lavey with 22 points in a 32-point win over Ballarat.
You can now add Carlie Smith to the list, after the former Canberra Capitals Academy player torched early championship favourites Dandenong for a game-high 23-points and seven rebounds in a 19 point win.
The 22-year-old set the tone for a new and youthful-looking Lady Braves, scoring the team's first 11 points as the home side raced to an 11-1 lead.
Smith was equally effective from the perimeter as she was in the paint, nailing four of five three-point attempts.
She said the Lady Braves had been primed for a big opening performance against the reigning champions.
"We just worked really well together - we were always there for each other and combined really well," she said.
"Ever since I've been here everyone's been so supportive, Jono has been really great.
"It's been a great move (from Canberra). We have a great team and a great culture here, I think we are going to do really well."
Coach Goodman said Smith had ignited the Lady Braves at both ends of the floor.
"Defensively she was great having to go up with the likes of Lauren Scherf and then have to guard Sophie Tarabolsi," he said.
"She found herself in situations she wasn't used to, having always had to guard perimeter players, but she handled herself well.
"To have the first 11 points was very impressive and just a small sign of what's to come."