By Hayley Wildes
Dandenong Ranger, Tessa Lavey’s WNBL resume speaks for itself and in her 150th game on Friday night, she did exactly what she’s been doing for the previous nine seasons; burning the opposition with speed and intensity.
Lavey, who often finds herself being the smallest player on the court, never takes a backwards step and knows how to utilise her strengths – speed being one of many – to wreak havoc on the court.
In her 150th, the Rangers got the win thanks to a thrilling final quarter comeback as Lavey recorded 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. After the game, she reflected on the milestone.
“You obviously have your ups and downs, but for me it’s been really awesome – I’ve been able to travel the country and see a lot of things and make a lot of new friends and family,” she said.
“I was really surprised when [the milestone] came up, I just play and I love it. I’m just happy to be playing for this club.”
Lavey also spoke about being a part of the Opals squad that claimed a silver medal at the FIBA World Cup last month – an experience she won’t soon forget.
“It was an incredible experience,” she said.
“I think it’s going to be something I look back on and be like ‘yeah, I was a part of that,’ and to beat Spain in Spain was just next level – I just can’t explain that feeling, it was just really cool.”
After last season’s disappointing results, Lavey knows banking early season wins is of vital importance in the run to finals.
“Last year we were really disappointed with our result – we felt like we had a team that could’ve gone a long way and we showed that; we beat Townsville twice last year and they went on to win the Championship,” she said.
“I think it’s really important to get these early wins, especially the close ones, because when it comes down to it, you want these wins on the board as you head towards finals.”
As one of the leaders of this Rangers squad, there’s no doubt that Lavey will have a huge say in Dandenong’s season. And that bodes well for a great season ahead.
