The Kalamunda Eastern Suns Women’s SBL team have been busy to date but things have stepped up a gear with the news 2009 MVP Samantha Norwood will return, while ‘09’ Wanneroo captain Chelsea Armstrong crosses from the Wolf Pack.

When you think of female players around the league who can have an impact on a game it’s hard to go past the individual ability of Sam Norwood in the talent stakes as she has weapons inside and out which have her placed in the elite category within the WSBL competition.

After taking the American college route in 2007-2009 where she had two campaigns in the NCAA with Division 1 Stony Brook University located in New York, Norwood returned to WA and featured in a couple of WNBL games to the round out the 2008/09 WNBL season for the Lynx.

Prior to her college stint, Norwood debuted in the SBL for Willetton in 2007 and featured in 10 games for the Suns in 2008 posting averages of 8.3pts and 7.7rebs before exploding with 17.9pts and 12.6rebs each outing in 2009. This included a Semi Final performance which will be remembered for quite some time as she posted 40pts and 17rebs to force a third game. Unfortunately the Suns couldn’t make the big dance but 2010 is about redemption.

Speaking on his young star coach Mansfield said “As a coaching staff we are very excited to resign Sam and appreciate her early commitment to assist us with our planning. Sam is a versatile player and is one of the best defenders in the league inside and out, offensively she is capable of playing the 3, 4 and 5 spots so this creates a lot of flexibility in the line-ups we can put on the floor. She leads by example with her professional work ethic, commitment and eagerness to develop. These qualities are great for our younger players to see up close and we will be looking for Sam to be one of the leaders of our team.”

Now to the new face Chelsea Armstrong who arrives at the Suns after captaining Wanneroo and notching up 90 career SBL games over four years with her junior association.

At just 19 years of age the former Perth Lynx representative opted to choose for foreign surrounds and start afresh with the Suns with career averages of 5.5pts and 2.4rebs running a combination of the guard spots.

“I am pleasantly surprised and excited that Chelsea is joining our program. Many people underestimate how talented Chelsea actually is and forget she has experience at the WNBL level. I believe her talent is one of the best kept secrets in the WSBL and that she will have a break out season in 2010 with a change of scenery. She brings a strong work ethic and skill set with the ability to score, run the team and lock down opposing teams key players. Her off ball defence is outstanding, particularly reading passing lanes which will suit our style of play.”

Article by Ryan Rogers (KDBA)