Local Talent Scoops Jewels Try-Outs – three new Tasmanian and a Victorian DP

The Tasmania Jewels have selected four new Development Players following open try-outs held earlier this month in Hobart, including three talented Tasmanians.  

In total, Head Coach Claudia Brassard selected four Development Players (DPs): Chloe Broomhall (Hobart), Portia Chopping (Hobart), Ava McDonald (Penguin) and Georgia Taylor (Victoria).

The athletes were try-out standouts among a competitive field of 13 basketballers from across Australia including Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria.  

They join fellow Tasmanian DPs Nikki Parker from Ulverstone and Andie Smit from Kingston, taking the total local DP talent uncovered and committed to the Jewels to six.  

Head Coach Claudia Brassards said there’s huge talent in Tasmania and the Jewels were on a mission to create pathways to the WNBL and beyond for them.  

“As a club we are passionate about creating genuine pathways for Tasmanian athletes and we’re taking action to bring that to life from day one,” Brassard said.  

“Our inaugural Development Players are an important part of that vision and we are excited by the level of talent.  

“While these athletes will have an incredible opportunity to learn from Opals level athletes, we also expect them to push our rostered players at training and contribute to our success on and off the court.”

Tasmania Jewels Foundation Principal Partner St Lukes Head of Community Engagement Nikki Long said St Lukes was excited to support talented athletes from across the state and beyond.  

“Alongside the Jewels, we’re working to drive positive change – not just in sport, but in how we support women’s health, wellbeing and confidence across the community – all part of our vision to make Tasmania the island on the planet,” Ms Long said. “There’s a real sense of momentum building as the team comes together, and we’re proud to be part of something that will have a lasting impact.”

The Development Players join the team pending WNBL review and approval. Tasmania Jewels membership will open in July and the season will start in October, with the Jewels playing half their games in Hobart at the MyState Bank Arena and half in Launceston at the Silverdome

Tasmania Jewels announced so far:

‍Rostered Players

Steph Reid

Keely Froling

Darcee Garbin

Taylor Mole

‍Development Players
Chloe Broomhall

Portia Chopping

Ava McDonald

Georgia Taylor  

Andie Smith

Nikki Parker