Hard work has paid off for Cockburn Cougars centre Jessie Edwards with her outstanding NBL1 West form rewarded with a WNBL contract with the Perth Lynx for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
Edwards was previously part of the Lynx in the WNBL for the 2020 season that was played in the North Queensland hub where she did show in her opportunities that she was more up to the task of playing at the top level.
While she wasn’t quite able to earn a WNBL contract for the most recent season, she continued to grow and develop her game, and work tremendously hard to keep herself ready and now her opportunity has presented once more.
Edwards joined the Cougars ahead of the 2021 NBL1 West season and was impressive with 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds a game.
However, rather than rest on her laurels after an impressive season, Edwards has gone to another level in all areas of her game so far in 2022 and it’s now paying off.
Not only is Edwards’ form a significant part of Cockburn’s 6-2 start to the NBL1 West season so far, but it has now earned her a WNBL opportunity once again with the Lynx to give her a chance to show what she is fully capable of.
Edwards is putting together a tremendous season with the Cougars after the opening eight games averaging 21.9 points and 14.9 rebounds a game including some monster performances.
Prior to last week’s bye for the WA Day long weekend, Edwards put up 32 points and 16 rebounds in Cockburn’s win against the Perth Redbacks.
She started off the 2022 season with 35 points and 22 boards against the East Perth Eagles, and along the way she also delivered 36 points and 13 rebounds against the Mandurah Magic.
That sort of dominant form was impossible to ignore for the Lynx and Edwards couldn’t be more excited to be getting another opportunity in the WNBL with her hometown club.
“I am excited to be part of the team again,” Edwards said.
“I hope to contribute physically with plenty of boards and play my role for the team.”
Edwards will be partner up with Lauren Scherf in that centre position on the Lynx team for the 2022/23 WNBL season as they attempt to back up their tremendous recent season which saw them reach the Grand Final.
Lynx coach Ryan Petrik knows fully well what Edwards is capable of having coached against her previously in the state league and working with her in the WNBL set up previously.
He admits to simply not being able to ignore her recent form and hard work and dedication to continue to grow and improve her game, and is looking forward to her being a part of what the Lynx can do this upcoming season.
“Jessie brings a real presence inside, which was lacking for us last season any time Lauren wasn’t on the floor,” Petrik said.
“Her form with Cockburn in the NBL1 West has been super impressive, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how that translates back into the WNBL.”
