nbl1 women season Preview

he UniSC Women are geared up and looking forward to the 2023 NBL1 North season. After a final appearance last year, the women will look to continue to improve on that finish in the new year. Returning from last seasons consistent starting lineup for Rip are Carlie Smith and Liisa Ups.

Smith returns on the back of another double double year, averaging 15 points and just under 11 rebounds in the 2022 campaign. Ups returns after averaging 7.5 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. With the departures of both Maddi Rocci and Ashley Arlen, Rip will look for the production in American imports, Megan Mullings and N’Dea Flye.

Mullings is an athletic forward who will make life difficult for opposing teams with her ability to put pressure on the rim, rebound and defend at an extremely high level. Flye will fill in the point guard role, being an aggressive defender that will cause havoc on opposing back courts. Flye also has a dynamic ability to slash to the basket and find teammates for open shots, something that will benefit the group this year.

Experienced forward Steph Bairstow joins the program after a stint with the Sydney Uni Flames of the WNBL this past season. Bairstow has had an accomplished career, playing most recently at Southwest Metro Pirates. Bairstow will bring the invaluable ability to stretch the floor from the front court positions, a high IQ and extremely competitive nature.

Key returns from last year’s back court group will be Esther Fleming, who returns as one of the best shooters in the program and Brooklyn Graves, who will provide a boost in athleticism and an ability to slash to the rim. Key returns from last year’s front court group will be Yasmin Miller, who was a late addition to the group last season.

Miller has plenty of experience, playing in the American college system and across various state league’s here in Australia. Also returning to the front court will be wing Camryn Hughes, who provides a boost in scoring and shooting for the group.

This season, Rip will look to continue using the juniors coming through to fill out the rotation, where Rip City can expect to see juniors Millie Willox, Ava Nason, Jess Johnston, Jaz Blundell and Katie Graves this year.

The UniSC Rip City women are extremely excited and ambitious for the 2023 NBL1 North season. Come watch and support the women down at UniSC Stadium throughout the season!