A STILL-DEVELOPING Bendigo Braves women's roster will have star WNBL guard Tessa Lavey as one of its centrepieces in 2020.
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Lavey, co-captain of the Bendigo Spirit this season alongside Kelly Wilson, is the first player from last year's roster to recommit to the Braves for this season.
The 26-year-old is third individual in total to sign with the NBL1 powerhouse.
She joins her Spirit team-mate Abbey Wehrung and rising star Cassidy McLean as 2020 season signings.
Lavey was one the driving forces behind a superb 2019 season for the Braves - albeit one which fell agonisingly short of a championship - averaging 16,2 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds.
The Opals squad member has enjoyed another fine WNBL season with the Spirit - her 11th in the national league - averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4 assists per game.
She top-scored with 20 points in the Spirit's most recent clash against Southside Flyers last Saturday night at Bendigo Stadium.
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Braves head coach Mark Alabakov has been able to work closely with Lavey to develop her skills set further with his role as lead assistant coach for the Spirit.
The new Braves boss spoke with high praise and excitement when asked about the importance of signing a player of Lavey's calibre.
"Having Tessa return to the Braves program was a high priority for us," he said.
"I'm such a big fan of the way she operates. Tessa has found the right balance of being fun-loving and engaging to be around, but then clicking into business mode and setting an example with her work ethic and attention to detail at practice.
"She has really emerged at the Spirit as a vocal leader with her finger on the pulse of the team and I'm looking forward to her bringing that to our Braves program. "
Lavey is into her second stint with the Braves, after previously playing one SEABL season in 2015.
The champion guard, who was born in Swan Hill, said she was excited to remain in Bendigo.
"I can't wait to get to work when the season comes around," Lavey said.
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