The Ballarat Miners have announced the return of Annie Collins and Millie Cracknell for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South women season.
Collins, who was only 17 for the 2021 season, averaged 23.38 minutes per game while Cracknell, only a year older, averaged 16.10 minutes per game.
Lynly Doherty from the Miners Women’s committee said: "While Annie is still young, she has been involved with the NBL1 program for a couple of years now.
"Her defensive pressure up one end and ability to nail some big shots down the other makes her a great asset to the team.
"Millie has an enthusiasm and passion for the game that you don’t find in every player, and we look forward to seeing her game grow further under the guidance of David."
Both Collins and Cracknell have played all their basketball in Ballarat playing with local club Celtic Tigers and making their way through the Ballarat Representative Program, Youth League and NBL1 pathway.
Collins said: "I love Ballarat, the club and the community and there is no reason for me to go elsewhere.
"In 2022 we will add some fresh faces to the club which is exciting including Herbie (coach David Herbert) who comes with a lot of experience, and I am looking forward to playing under him."
Cracknell said: "I’m really looking forward to being a part of the recent name change to the Miners.
"I’ve played for Ballarat longer than I can remember and I love where the club's heading.
"This season, like all seasons, I aim to improve.
"I have played a few years now and I think it’s important for me to step up and take control of the game when needed as a point guard."
Head coach of the Miners Women David Herbert said: "It is exciting to sign two of Ballarat’s best rising talents for the upcoming NBL1 Season.
"Both Annie and Millie played solid minutes last year and gained valuable experience.
"It is now about consolidating those minutes and taking a step forward to be solid contributors week in week out for our team."
The Ballarat Miners women have now re-signed Kristy Rinaldi, Annie Collins and Millie Cracknell with more signings not far away.
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
Feature image taken by Ian Knight Photography
