By JARROD POTTER
MAKING up for a lack of height last year, the Dandenong Rangers have gone tall with the signing of rising star Alex Bunton, who will join the Rangers for the upcoming WNBL season.
With only Lauren Scherf and Amanda Meinking troubling the tall timber in the WNBL, incoming coach Larissa Anderson rectified the problem, signing a 196cm centre.
At only 21, Bunton has signed on with her fourth WNBL club, Dandenong, after WNBL stints with the AIS, Canberra Capitals and Adelaide Lightning. Her addition will create a power-packed front court with Scherf and returning US import Annalise Pickrel.
“She’s a great size… only 21-years-old too, so she’s a great prospect,” Anderson said.
“Legit five (centre), with lots and lots of potential to get better.
“She’s super excited about a new start and working hard… I’m very excited to see what we can get out her.”
Anderson admits the remaining item on the Rangers’ shopping list is an influential swingman to fill the number-three position, but could be ticked off the list as soon as this week.
“A three-man,” Anderson said.
“We’ll see how we go.
“We’re looking ok, but hopefully we’ll have an exciting signing coming next week and hopefully that’s happening over the next few days.”
Anderson’s SEABL women had equally impressive signs on Saturday night as the Rangers knocked off perennial contender Geelong 85-75.
Anderson, who was named SEABL Coach of the Month for April, saw her Rangers continue an impressive start to the year with the 10-point win. Seeing off the faster-finishing Supercats, Jacinta Kennedy (31 points, 8 rebounds) and Aimie Clydesdale (22 points, 8 rebounds) were exceptional alongside Clare Papavs (17 points).
The men were unable to best Geelong in the second match on the card, downed 79-101 despite the best efforts of Daequon Montreal (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Chuck Long (19 points).
