She played her first season of senior elite basketball in the 2020 West Coast Classic and looked right at home while playing alongside, and going head to head with, some of the best players in the league. So it’s safe to say we’re excited to have re-signed young gun Shenae Hartree for NBL1 2021.
Head Coach Craig Allen is thrilled to have the versatile forward back in his team for 2021, and by what the season holds for her:
“Shenae stepped into the rotation during the West Coast Classic having never played senior basketball before. Coming out of under-18s, she didn’t look out of place at all. She very much possesses the skill set to be highly capable at this level and I’m sure her dreams go way beyond just playing state league basketball. She has untapped potential and hopefully we can help facilitate the realisation of that potential for her and bring her unique skillset to the fore in coming years.”
Here’s what Shenae has to say on her first season in the state league:
“It was nerve-wracking at first since it was my first year at senior level but I loved the opportunity. It was amazing to get out on that court and play the game that I love. I felt like I belonged and I’m hoping to step it up further this season.”
On re-signing for 2021:
“I’m very excited and eager to come back to play for the Redbacks. I just love the girls and the community at Redbacks.”
On being able to play alongside the likes of Jess Jakens, Maddie Allen, Del Ashworth and Mak Dyer:
“I can’t wait to play with these girls again in 2021, to give it our all and hopefully win our games. A full season will give me more time to develop and grow alongside some great teammates.
Maddie, JJ and Del were invaluable to me last season, they were so welcoming and all of them were always helping me out. With the addition of Mak this season I consider myself pretty lucky to have all these experienced players who are all so awesome with sharing their knowledge.”
What are some of the particular strengths she thinks she can leverage to the benefit of the team?
“Since I’m young I can adapt and learn to enhance my game. I see my strengths as being mobile, physical and it’s always nice to get a few points for the team when I can too!”
NBL1 Director Nathan Barns sums up our excitement about having Shenae back in Redbacks colours in 2021:
“We are thrilled to have Shenae re-sign with the Redbacks. She has the talent and determination to be a future leader in our club. What people don’t realise is the amount of work she puts in off the court which is really paying dividends for her development. The additions we have made to our roster for 2021 should assist Shenae in taking another step forward with her progression and taking on a more prominent role within the team as the season unfolds.”