Benn returns to Cougars

After an SBL All-Star appearance in 2019, Cockburn Cougars junior Ruby Benn has returned to the club for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

Benn spent the 2019/20 season at Mineral Area Junior College in the United States before returning in May this year.

The 2019 SBL season was a break-out year for Benn, starting the first 11 games before injury ended her campaign.

Cockburn CEO and women’s head coach Tyrone Thwaites said Benn is a big in for the Cougar women, bringing a pass first mind-set to a growing group of scorers.

“12 months of college experience has built a newer layer of resilience into Rubes,” Thwaites said.

“She’s challenged herself to be better and has a mature mindset that’s got her pretty excited for round one.

“Ruby has developed into a point guard with great vision, she’s agile, and knows how to deliver the ball in the right spot at the right time to the right person.

“With Jessie Edwards and Taylah Simmons great creators at their spot, and Tilly Muir, Haylee De Sousa and Tia Morgan not afraid to shoot an open three, they’re going to love having her back running the point come game one.”

“It’s exciting to come back after a year away,” Benn said.

“Spending time in the states has given me confidence in my leadership ability, and the break once I got home was great just to refresh after a few years of non-stop basketball.

“We’re a really young group that wants to work hard, and if you add in the excitement of NBL1, it’s going to be a huge year for the girls and coaching staff.”