Miners Spirit Multiplies

The Ballarat Miners Women are thrilled to announce the signings of current WNBL Bendigo Spirit rostered players, Micah Simpson & Ella Gordon, for the 2024 Mitsubishi NBL1 South Season.

Hailing from Tassie, Simpson, 21, joins after having previous experience at NBL1 South level with Launceston and upon signing, said “I’m really excited about this opportunity, I’ve heard so many great things about the club and more importantly the people involved. I can’t wait to get started and compete for a championship"

Originally from Queensland, Gordon, 19, has come through Basketball Australia CoE ranks and most recently played for the Australian Gems at the 2022 Asia Cup under the coaching of former Miners Women’s coach, David Herbert. Ella was excited to be joining the Miners, saying “I’m excited to experience playing in the NBL1 South competition against quality opposition teams. Having already played in both the North and East conferences, this has given me great learning experiences that I am keen to build on. I am also looking forward to playing alongside some of my Bendigo Spirit teammates and Coach Kereama.”

Women’s Head Coach Kennedy Kereama said “Both Ella and Micah are exciting rising talents. Micah will be completing her 2nd year as a Development Player with the Spirit and her growth has been exceptional during this time. I believe an environment like the one we are building in Ballarat will be a perfect platform for her to continue to evolve her game. Micah will bring a great understanding of the system I will implement and is a very versatile and skilled guard who can create a shot for her teammates and herself. She has developed under one of Australia's most experienced and best point guards for the last two WNBL seasons. 

Kereama continued by adding “Ella comes to us after completing her first season as a Development player in the WNBL and as a CoE graduate. Ella has been battling with some injuries and although she had some early setbacks, she is now starting to find some health and rhythm. At 6”4, she brings our group some much-needed size, rebounds, sets screens, has good hands, and can finish around the rim. She also has the ability to stretch the floor and prides herself in doing all the gritty defensive tasks. Given she has picked up basketball later in life she has made significant inroads for such a late starter.”

Ballarat Miners CEO Nev Ivey said “It’s great to have secured both Micah and Ella for the 2024 NBL1 South season. Not only are both of them talented basketballers, but they are also fantastic people who will be great assets to the team on the court and exceptional role models for aspiring female athletes off the court as well. Already having a coach/player connection with Kennedy is also an added bonus for chemistry coming into the season ahead.”

Micah & Ella join fellow signings Millie Cracknell, Milly Sharp, Jemma Amoore, and returning MVP Abbey Wehrung with some more key signings to come.

The Ballarat Miners tip off the season with a home game against arch-rivals Bendigo, at Selkirk Stadium on Wednesday, April 3^rd. Miners Memberships remain on sale via Miners Memberships