BENDIGO Spirit skipper Tessa Lavey will get a chance to press her claims for Opals selection in 2021 at a week-long national training camp in early-January.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lavey was among 23 Australian and overseas-based players selected in the training camp squad, which was announced on Monday night.
The 27-year-old was the sole Spirit player to be picked in the squad, which also includes former two-time Spirit championship player Kelsey Griffin.
With the recent easing of internal border restrictions and changes to enforced quarantine periods within Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Basketball Australia has been able to arrange the training camp at short notice.
Opals head coach Sandy Brondello said the seven-day camp, to run from January 3 to 10 , provided the perfect opportunity for coaching staff and players alike to have invaluable face time ahead of a busy 2021, which includes the Olympic Games and 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
"With the majority of the current Opals squad playing in this year's WNBL and the timing of the league allowing me to come home to observe our athletes, conducting this camp enables the perfect touch-point as we approach an important year for the national team," Brondello said.
"While this isn't a selection camp for the Olympics, it will provide an opportunity for the coaching panel to work the playing group both on and off the court to set the tone for the 12 months ahead."
Lavey has been one of the shining lights during a tough season for the Spirit, averaging team-highs in points (14.9 per game) and assists (5.6) and 4.4 rebounds through 11 games.
The Spirit (0-11) round out their condensed 2020 season commitments this week with a Wednesday night game against the Adelaide Lightning and a Friday contest against the Melbourne Boomers.
Opals squad: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Elizabeth Cambage, Rebecca Cole, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Kelsey Griffin *, Shyla Heal, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Tiana Mangakahia, Leilani Mitchell *, Lauren Nicholson, Jenna O'Hea, Maddison Rocci, Jaz Shelley, Alanna Smith, Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo and Sami Whitcomb *.
* Restricted player
READ MORE:
While this isn't a selection camp for the Olympics, it will provide an opportunity for the coaching panel to work the playing group both on and off the court to set the tone for the 12 months ahead.
- Sandy Brondello
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
