Star junior signs at the Wildcats

The Eltham Wildcats have announced the signing of Tess Heal for the 2021 NBL1 South season.

Despite being aged just 17 and still playing in the VJBL, Heal has built an impressive resume in her teenage years and is ready to launch to another level.

It was in the 2017 U14 national club championships where, playing for Bulleen, Heal dominated the court and made everyone stand and take notice, leading her team to the national title, just hours before Eltham’s boys did the same thing.

By winning the event, Heal and her team received the news that they’d represent the Asia-Pacific region at the inaugural Jr NBA World Championships at Disneyworld in Florida.

She became a highlight in the US media of the event for her ability.

Now playing for Keilor in the VJBL, coached by father Travis, Heal was recently named for her fourth Vic Metro underage team, the U18s on this occasion.

After missing out on the chance to play nationals in 2020, Heal is keen to head to Wyndham and collect another national title.

It is also at Keilor where she has gathered playing experience in the Youth (U23) level.

However, it is during 2020 where Heal continued to put in work when others may not have that has set her apart.

Soon after was the opportunity to work alongside WNBL players Anneli Maley, Bec Pizzey and Shelby Britten at Eltham once the stadium doors opened, which has exposed her to what’s required at the next level.

With the possibility of Australian junior teams and college opportunities ahead of her, Heal has the basketball world at her feet.

Head Coach Grant Spencer reinforced this.

"Tess is proven to be one of the leading players in the country for her age group, already having personal success on the international level through the Jr NBA program," he said.

"She has taken to NBL1 practice games well and will prove to be a tough cover for many across the NBL1 competition."

The Eltham Basketball Club would like to thank and acknowledge the Keilor association of whom Heal is a junior player.

Keilor has supported Heal’s desire to play NBL1, which has led to coaches and management all working together in her best interests.

Consistent with juniors from Eltham's own junior program, Heal's priority remains the Keilor junior program and the commitments of the Victoria Metro state team.  

Heal and the Wildcats NBL1 teams will be in action when they play their season opener this Saturday night at Eltham High School.