2018-19 SPIRIT SIGNINGS:
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BASKETBALL life just keeps getting better for rising star Kara Tessari.
The 19-year-old is the latest player to be re-signed by Bendigo Spirit for the 2018-19 WNBL season.
It will be the clever point guard’s third season with the Spirit, after coming off the rookie list late in the 2016-17 to replace an injured Kerryn Harrington.
Tessari, who has demonstrated her commitment to Bendigo basketball by playing with the Lady Braves during the 2018 SEABL season, said she was excited to be on-board for a third season.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to play with the Spirit and continue to call Bendigo home for another season,” she said.
“I am really excited to work with the team that Simon has put together, and I am really eager to work with (new recruit) Nat Hurst and continue my development under her.
“I have so much to learn and I can’t wait for the season to come around and get started.”
It’s been a big few months since Tessari capped her second season with the Spirit.
Together with her Lady Braves team-mate Ahlise Hurst, Tessari was part of Victoria’s national-under 20 championship-winning team in February.
The long-time Victoria Country representative has started the SEABL season on fire, averaging nearly 15-points a game, at almost 60 per cent from beyond the arc.
Tessari scored a game-high 31-points for the Lady Braves in their April 29 win at Bendigo Stadium against Albury-Wodonga Bandits.
Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said he was excited to have Tessari back and looked forward to her being mentored by new point guard and seven-time WNBL championship winner Nat Hurst.
“She has earned her spot on the team through her commitment to development and improvement of her skills and knowledge of WNBL basketball,” he said.
“Key to that was the decision to represent Bendigo with the Lady Braves. A couple of weeks ago she shot the house down, scoring 31 points against Albury.
“Kara and Nat will work closely together to accelerate Kara’s learning, so she will be ready to lead the team in the near future.
“Kara is a player who is a proven winner and she will play a key part in our aim to return to the WNBL finals in this season.”
Tessari joins Hurst, 2017-18 season MVP Nadeen Payne, Abbey Wehrung and Marena Whittle as Spirit signings for next season.