US Cobra star in town

By Russell Bennett
THE SWINBURNE Kilsyth Lady Cobras have announced the signing of shooting guard Chantella Perera for the 2011 SEABL season.
Perera, a graduate of Fresno State University in the United States, is presently playing with the Dandenong Rangers in the WNBL. She was also part of the Canberra Capitals’ 2009/10 Championship team.
Perera is having the best season of her short WNBL career, averaging seven points and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Rangers.
“I guess this year is my third full season (in the WNBL) so I think being a more experienced player was always going to help me perform better,” she said.
Perera, an eastern suburbs local, will join the Lady Cobras upon the completion of her Rangers contract and will look to continue improving her game under head coach Cheryl Chambers.
“I decided to sign at Kilsyth because I have heard nothing but good things about the club and program,” Perera said.
“I know Cheryl from Dandenong and I really respect her and I think she can help improve my game and provide a good program to play in.
“I also really liked the atmosphere at the club.
“The program seems to be heading in the right direction and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Perera said she would bring experience and backcourt versatility to the young SEABL team.
“I can play two-guard and point guard and I hope that I can contribute, both scoring wise and defensively, to help the Swinburne Lady Cobras win a SEABL Championship,” she said.
Coach Chambers said she was excited about Perera signing for 2011.
“She will bring youth, athleticism and scoring power,” Chambers said.
“And she will enable us to run an up tempo game, while bringing the skills of a great defender.”
With a squad expected to include a number of up and coming younger players, Chambers said she was looking for Perera to be a leader.
“I will be looking for her to provide leadership by example and be a big part of what we do at both ends of the floor,” she said.
The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras tip off their campaign on 2 April against arch rivals the Knox Raiders. The club begins pre-season training in early February.
Membership and player sponsorship packages are this season are available. Visit www.cobras.net.au for further information.