Keilor off-season recruit Jessica Scannell didn’t wait long to make her presence felt in the Big V basketball competition.
Scannell signed with the Thunder after a creditable playing career in her home country of Ireland, and also in Australia.
At home, the point guard played professionally with Nottingham Wildcats while in the Big V, she has previously won a championship with Melbourne Tigers.
Having also played college basketball in America, Scannell appears to be the perfect recruit for Keilor, which is trying to jump back into the finals this season.
If early indications are anything to go by, the 26-year-old could be one of the strongest scorers in the division 1 competition. Scannell put up a game-high 28 points in her round one debut.
Thunders’ coach Carey Paps said it was great to have Scannell on board.
“I think Jess is going to really help us out this year,” he said. “We have a few new girls in the side this year, and we have a bit more experience with a few girls who have been around a bit longer.
“We had a fairly good pre-season and we are happy to be back into it.”
Scannell looks like she will form a lethal combination with Amy Faulkner, who joins Keilor from state championship side Diamond Valley.
Faulkner opened the season with 22 points, while Katrina Vogelezang also made an impact in her debut, scoring 18.
Incredibly, the Thunder’s 86 round one points weren’t enough to secure a win though, with Keilor going down to Chelsea by six.
Paps said it is important for his group to look after the ball.
“Scoring 86 points, like we did in round one, and still losing, that doesn’t happen very often.
“Our turnovers cost us a little bit. We just need to cut that down and I think we will be okay.
“We are definitely aiming for finals this year. We want to make sure we are improving on last year.”
After last week’s Easter break, Keilor will take on Craigieburn in its round two fixture on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Keilor men’s team got its season off to the best possible start under new coach Pete Godfrey.
The Thunder defeated Melbourne University by nine points earlier this month.
