The Kilsyth Cobras have re-signed Georgia Booth and Sarah Haberfield ahead of the 2022 NBL1 South season.
Booth enjoyed a strong rookie season in 2021, with the 18-year-old ranking sixth on the team in scoring (7.9ppg) and steals (1.0spg).
Despite being the youngest player on Kilsyth’s roster – and one of the youngest in the league – Booth’s fiery competitive streak and fearlessness on both ends of the floor proved to be a major factor for the Cobras in 2021.
After helping lead Victoria to a silver medal at the U20 National Championships in May, Booth saw her minutes steadily increase over the final month of the season, upping her scoring to 11 points per contest and often being called upon by head coach, Hannah Lowe, to play crunch time minutes.
Jumping quickly from the Cobras junior program to the NBL1, Booth’s ability to seamlessly integrate and contribute at the senior level impressed Lowe, who expects her young, exciting guard to mix it with the league’s best in 2022.
"After being thrust into the NBL1 team straight out of under 18’s, Georgia did not waste the opportunity to mix it with the seniors," Lowe said.
"Squeeze in state team and Year 12 commitments, and you could say Georgia had a full on 2021. I am wrapped to have Georgia back in the squad for 2022, as I feel that a less interrupted season will give us an opportunity to let her test herself against some of WNBL-level competition and put herself on that map."
Haberfield enjoyed a strong 2021 NBL1 campaign, with her veteran leadership and elite perimeter defence playing a key role for the 9-4 Cobras.
Haberfield, a member of Kilsyth’s 2019 championship-winning team, was called upon often to take on top perimeter defensive assignments, and thrived in the role as she helped turn the Cobras into one of the league’s top defensive teams.
The SEBC Saints junior recorded a season-high six steals on the road against Ballarat on June 26, with her quick hands and feet and nose for drawing offensive fouls establishing her as one of the league’s top young defensive players.
Coach Hannah Lowe compared her guard's work ethic and defensive acumen to that of a pro, and anticipates that we will see more from Haberfield on the offensive end in 2022.
"Sarah’s work ethic and general approach to her basketball is like you would expect from a WNBL veteran," Lowe said.
"On top of being an excellent team mate, Sarah is a hard-nosed defensive stopper and I look forward to seeing her showcase that and her shooting ability even more in 2022."
