Cobras add new venom

By Russell Bennett
THE SWINBURNE Kilsyth Lady Cobras have announced another key signing for the 2011 SEABL season, Australian Opal and former Seattle Storm WNBA player Abby Bishop.
Bishop is looking to bring a winning culture to the Lady Cobras after winning three WNBL championships with the Canberra Capitals in 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2009-10.
She also played a key role in Australia winning the silver medal in the 2007 FIBA under-21 world championships.
Most recently she was part of Seattle Storm’s 2010 WNBA championship with Opals teammate and three-time league MVP, Lauren Jackson.
Bishop, a long time WNBL player, made her debut with the AIS in 2005-06 and was named the Betty Watson rookie of the year after averaging 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 12 games.
She then moved to the Canberra Capitals, where in addition to winning three national championships, she was named in the 2008-09 WNBL All-Star Five as one of the top five scorers and top 10 in steals.
Bishop played for the Dandenong Rangers in 2010-11.
She said her decision to play at Kilsyth for the 2011 SEABL season was an easy one, thanks to her strong relationship with head coach Cheryl Chambers.
“My main reason for playing at Kilsyth this year was because of the strong bond I have with Cheryl,” Bishop said.
“I have a great respect for her as a coach and really enjoy playing under her.
“I spent my time in the Australian Gems with Cheryl as the assistant coach, and most recently the 2010-11 WNBL season with Cheryl at the Dandenong Rangers.
I’m hoping this SEABL season with Cheryl and the Lady Cobras will allow me to get my game back and really enjoy my basketball.”
Despite multiple off-season roster changes, the Lady Cobras have put together a team capable of challenging for a finals position.
Bishop said she expected nothing less from her new team.
“This is the first time I have played in the SEABL competition and I have heard nothing but great things about Kilsyth as an organisation and the girls I will be playing with,” she said.
“I know a few of the girls playing at Kilsyth this year and I’m hoping to use my WNBA and WNBL experience to add to the 2011 squad.
“My size will enable me to bring scoring and rebounding power to the team and I’m really looking forward to playing with them.”
Lady Cobras head coach Cheryl Chambers said she was delighted to have acquired a player of Bishop’s calibre for the new season.
“Abby will bring scoring power, flexibility as well as an inside presence to our team in 2011,” Chambers said.
“She is a player that will bring experience and much-needed size to the squad.”
Chambers said her strong relationship with Bishop would help her to settle in easily with her new team.
“Abby and I have a really good, honest relationship and I feel that will not only help her to grow as a player but make it easier for her to cement a place in the squad,” she said.
A week out from the Lady Cobras’ opening game of the season against arch rivals the Knox Raiders on 2 April, Chambers said she wasn’t looking to just make up the numbers.
“We are definitely going out there to win,” she said.
“Knox have added a few members but their core playing group is steady.
“I think that we have the personnel to cause them trouble and make it difficult to guard.”
The Lady Cobras will play their home opener the following week on 10 April against Albury Wodonga.
Season membership and player sponsorship packages are now available. For details visit www.cobras.net.au