The OneFortyOne Pioneers continue to build an impressive roster for the coming season with Isabella Brancatisano, the latest new signing for the 2023 NBL1 South Season.
Twenty-eight year-old Brancatisano is an experienced player who has played two impressive NBL1 seasons with the Ballarat Miners and previously won a SEABL Championship with Geelong in 2017.
Brancatisano averaged 14.41 per game with the Miners in 2022, with 3.55 assists and 4.86 rebounds each game.
Head coach Matt Sutton is excited to add such a talented and experienced player to his roster for the 2023 season.
“We are very lucky to have Isabella join our squad,” Sutton said.
“She’s a no fuss player who will be great on both ends of the court.
“Her championship experience is an added bonus for our group.
“I’m looking forward to Isa joining our group as she is a great fit on the court and will be another fantastic person within our squad.”
Meanwhile, the Pioneers have suffered a loss with Shakera Reilly opting to sign with the Maitland Mustangs in the NBL1 East conference.
The Mustangs announced the signing, saying it was huge news for the club’s women’s program with their “homegrown superstar” returning.
“After two successful seasons playing for powerhouse club Mount Gambier Pioneers in the NBL1 South, Shak is coming home to lead the Mustangs in 2023 and we cannot wait to see her back in the black and red,” the club said.
“After winning the WNBL championship with Canberra Capitals in 2020, Shak has continued to grow as a player and had her best season yet in 2022 with the Pioneers, averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds, and also once again showing her talent as an elite level defensive wing.
“We are super excited to have secured Shak’s signature for the 2023 season.
Shak will bring an elite level of professionalism to the team, having experienced WNBL and NBL1 South programs over the last few seasons.
“She is an excellent defender, has an unrivalled work ethic, and brings a flexible offensive game to the program.”
Reilly said she was excited to be returning to play for Maitland in 2023.
“It will be great to once again play in front of my family and friends after three years in Canberra and then South Australia,” she said.
“The NBL1 competition is still new, and with the expansion of NBL1 East to 16 teams I’m looking forward to helping the Mustangs climb the ladder this season.”
