Top names fill Cobras’ line-up

By Tania Martin
KILSYTH’S Lady Cobras are ready to step out onto the court next month with its 2010 roster now finalised.
The final two spots on the squad were taken up by Sydney Flame guard, Deanna Smith and Alice Kunek comes directly from Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Smith has been a key member of the Flames resurgence in 2010, helping lead the team to a second place finish during the regular season.
She is averaging 16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game and will be looking to take her current team deep into the finals before joining the Lady Cobras.
Having hit top form at the right time of the WNBL Season, Smith scored 30 points and pulled down nine rebounds against Lauren Jackson and the Canberra Capitals on 23 January.
For Smith personally the 2010 SEABL season will give her a chance to continue working on her game while helping the team win.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work on things I have been focusing on in
Sydney,” Smith said.
“Kilsyth will be a positive environment where I will enjoy playing which is really important.”
Kunek comes to the Cobras straight from an AIS scholarship and with 29 WNBL games under her belt.
The 185cm forward averages 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
Kunek has represented Victoria at five National Championships (2005-2009) and will shortly compete at the under-20 championships in Gawler, South Australia, attempting to win her sixth title.
An Eltham Junior, she has represented Australia in 29 games helping the Gems (Australian under-19 women’s team) qualify for the 2009 FIBA World Championships.
Kunek is looking forward to a different environment in 2010.
“Playing for a different club is exciting and working with new a coach with different ideas and styles is also something I am really looking forward too,” she said.
“I’m really excited to play with a new group of girls and really eager to learn just like anyone else.”
The Lady Cobras tip off their 2010 season against the Knox Raiders on Saturday 20 March, at 6pm.