The Dentistry Plus Cockburn Cougars are pleased to announce Jessie Edwards has taken up her player option and is set to return in 2022.
Edwards played a big part in catapulting the Cougars back to the finals in 2021, the first time in four years, off the back of a 17.5 point and 9 rebound average across the season.
This included 36 point, 12 rebound effort against the Perth Redbacks that earned the NBL1 West player of the week award, but it was the end of the season when she really started turning heads.
Across her last 6 games, Edwards averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds, setting her up for a big 2022.
“The hard work begins as soon as the season finished,” Edwards said.
“Ty (Thwaites) made me take two weeks off just to get my body right, but I am straight back on the grind now both in the gym and on the court.”
Known for her unorthodox presence in the post and ability to rebound, Edwards knows this off-season is a great chance to really add some dimensions to her game.
“Last year I was adjusting to Ty’s style of play, and attacking a bit more from the high post off the dribble.
“I want to spend a lot of time this off-season working on my three-point shot, it is something I have never had the time to work on.
“My perimeter defence is the other part, so I am spending a lot of time in the gym working on my change of direction too.”
Head coach Tyrone Thwaites could not be more pleased to have the Cougars star back for 2022.
“We spoke with Jess mid-way through the year about opting in for year two, and she didn’t hesitate,” he said.
“She gave us a real presence in 2021, with a lot of our group not used to playing with someone of her size.
“So it was an adjustment, but I think the girls really enjoyed working with someone as strong of a presence as Jess, so we are really looking forward to building with her and the group again in 2022.”
Edwards was not only an influence on the court, but off it as well, being highly engaged with the Cougar Family at all different levels.
“I am excited to continue to take part in the community side of the club – I really enjoyed coaching WABL and Aussie Hoops,” she said,
“To see those kids show up to our NBL1 games or just come up and say hi at the stadium was great.
“The support for the women’s program by the Cockburn community is like nothing I have seen at this level before, and look forward to seeing our amazing crowds again in 2022.”
