The ‘AND1’ Kalamunda Eastern Suns Women’s team have responded to suggestions that they will be rebuilding in 2010 with Head Coach Craig Mansfield welcoming Perth Lynx duo Melissa Moyle and Carli Boyanich back to the club after both players rested for the majority of the 2009 SBL season.

Firstly to Moyle (pictured right) who at 21 years of age has a long association within the SBL after debuting with Lakeside in 2001 before pit stops at Swan City and Willetton were notched prior to landing at the Suns for the clubs inaugural season in 2008.

With career averages of 10.6pts & 5.4rebs in 72 games, Moyle has the ability to provide match-up problems for opposing teams with her size and athleticism in the back court and has been a presence in the WNBL scene since 2006/07.

When asked about returning to the Suns Moyle said "I'm looking forward to playing WSBL for the Eastern Suns this year as I believe collectively we can produce an exciting brand of basketball. I want to work with the younger players and give something back to our club, we are a team who share strong camaraderie and passion for the game of basketball."

Commenting on the guard Coach Mansfield said "Signing Melissa is a big boost for our team, it was a high priority for us and we had to compete with multiple offers from the east coast. We spoke with her about the goals we had for the team which she is excited by and keen to help develop our club. She brings enthusiasm and a versatile skill set that provides us a lot of flexibility, we can now play tall or small and use players in multiple positions."

Now to Boyanich who at 188cm brings size and experience which will bode well for the youthful Suns outfit. Whilst suffering three major knee reconstructions over her career, the 26 year old is confident that she has turned the corner and is recapturing form that had her rated within the SBL’s elite group of players in years past.

Evidence of this is Boyanich’s career numbers of 14.8pts & 9.5rebs in 111 outings while her showing against Lauren Jackson in round 11 of the current WNBL season prior to Christmas has the Suns hierarchy enthusiastic at what 2010 could bring for the ladies from Lesmurdie.

Speaking on her signing Boyanich said "I'm really excited to play SBL for Suns again with such a young, talented group of players. I'm looking forward to having a strong season and helping build on the success the club has already enjoyed in its past two seasons."

In reply Mansfield said "Carli is an important signing for our team going into the 2010 season. She has legitimate size, athleticism, a low post game and a perimeter shooting ability that will stretch opposition defences. She has been playing basketball in WA for several years now and this experience will help improve and develop our entire squad."

Coach Mansfield has just resumed pre-season training and welcomes all interested players to attend. For more information contact Craig at sunswsbl@hotmail.com.

Article by Ryan Rogers (Kalamunda Eastern Suns)