Team Northumbria have tied up two of the WBBL’s top performers as the 2016 Championship playoff winners look to bounce back from an injury-ravaged campaign.
US stars Ali Gorrell and Kara Bonenberger will both be back at Sport Central next season after committing to Chris Bunten’s ambitious programme.
And the England Under 20 assistant coach is confident the high scoring duo will continue to flourish given the chance to play key minutes on an injury-free roster.
“Ali was a rock for me last season amidst all the chaos and the forced changes due to injuries and players leaving,” said Bunten.
“She was incredibly consistent as a scorer and a leader on and off the court.
“At times I wanted to give her a break but the way things worked out that simply wasn’t possible.
“And despite the demands I kept placing on her week in, week out she kept coming up with the big numbers and kept us in the hunt for a playoff place.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from Ali but I think she can become an even better player on a settled team and that’s what everyone at TN is hoping for next season!”
Gorrell heads into her second year at Northumbria University studying a Masters degree in Sports Psychology and is the clear frontrunner to claim the captain’s armband.
The prolific guard averaged 20.72 points in the WBBL and chipped in with almost seven rebounds per game.
And Gorrell will form a potent on-court partnership with Bonenberger again next season after the latter inked a new deal with TN.
The towering centre will start a Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning at Northumbria University after moving from Newcastle University last year.
And Bunten added: “I can’t wait to see how Kara performs from day one in a system and a team that she now knows inside out.
“Last season was a pretty difficult in terms of getting her paperwork over the line and she was only really able to make an impact in the second half of the season.
“But I knew what she could do and she didn’t disappoint. She has been fully committed to the programme for a year now but from Christmas onwards she showed her true worth with some huge performances.
“As a scorer and a rebounder Kara is second to none and I fully expect her to become one of the best players in the WBBL next season.
“Like Ali she gives 100% and is willing to learn and wants to improve. She knows we will give her all of the support she needs at Northumbria University - both on and off the court - and that’s why both of these high calibre players have chosen to stay at Sport Central and push for silverware next season.”
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