Back from another stint in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, Australia star Jenna O’Hea has made a blistering start to the new WNBL season which bodes well ahead of the FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey next year.
O’Hea continues to lead Dandenong Rangers by example, with some scintillating performances helping the Victorian club win seven of their first ten games.
Indeed the 26-year-old is playing some of the best basketball of her career, amassing more than 20 points per game so far which is reminiscent of the form which took the Rangers to the WNBL Championship a little over 18 months ago.
And her prolific opening and stellar displays are setting the tone for rising stars such as Aimie Clydesdale, who is only too happy to learn and play alongside the Olympian.
“She’s having a great start to the season and especially after coming straight here from the WNBA,” said Clydesdale, who played at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.
“Jenna is an amazing player and we can rely on her to be able to score at any time and always be hustling after the ball.
“She continues to work hard, she’s our top scorer, she’s in great form and I’m sure she will continue to be.
“She also brings a lot of experience to the team and has obviously achieved so much already in her career. With that, Jenna brings leadership, not only for the younger players, but for everyone in the team.
“I think as a young player, I’ve learned a lot from her,” added Clydesdale.
“I’ve seen the amount of work you need to put in be such a great player.
“She also always gives direction and I think importantly, she lets you know when you’ve done something good.”
Dandenong currently sit in third place in the WNBL behind leaders Bendigo Spirit and Melbourne Boomers, but if O’Hea continues her rich vein of form, then a title charge could be on the cards.
The versatile swingman is looking to secure a place at her second FIBA World Championship for Women, having debuted for the Opals three years ago in Czech Republic, prior to landing an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012.
