Red hot rookie Georgia Ohrdorf is relishing a return to WBBL action after revealing Newcastle Eagles’ punishing December schedule holds no fears for a team in transition.
The all-action Aussie has burst onto the British basketball scene after signing for Chris Bunten’s side during the summer.
And Ohrdorf insisted the Eagles will be ready for a punishing run of six games in 16 days starting on December 1.
“It’s been a strange month so far,” admitted the versatile forward. “It’s almost three weeks since our last WBBL match and it’s a while until the next one.
“Most of the players are involved in BUCS competition for Northumbria University so we’ve been able to tick over in terms of competitive matches.
“But we can’t wait for the trip to Sevenoaks Suns a week at the start of December and the game against Essex Rebels the following day.
“We’ll be rested and ready for three successive double headers.”
Ohrdorf is no stranger to back-to-back basketball clashes having experienced the demands of US college hoops. And the former Denver MSU star is confident of coming through a crunch period in the Eagles’ campaign unscathed.
“When I was at college we played Friday and Saturday night most weekends,” added Ohrdorf. “It’s nothing new for me. I did it over and over for four years.
“And I feel we’ve used the break in the WBBL schedule to good effect. A few of the players have been away on international duty and we’re looking forward to bringing them back again.
“But those of us who’ve stayed behind have used the time to bond more off the court and it’s made a big difference.
“I feel like I’ve settled in well and coach Bunten is getting to know my game. Off the court I’m enjoying my degree course and I’m loving life in Newcastle.”
Ohrdorf and five team-mates joined Bunten on an impromptu trip to Switzerland last weekend to support Eagles’ skipper Giulia Simioni as the hosts took on the Czech Republic in a Eurobasket qualifier.
And she added: “It was a fantastic idea and I think Giulia appreciated it.
“She’s my room-mate and I was starting to miss her! To see her playing for her country in front of so many friends and family was very special.
“I had the chance to grab a word with her at the end of the game and it made the whole trip worthwhile. When Chris suggested we head over there for the weekend I jumped at the chance!”
Simioni and Kiwi sisters Keziah and Adoniah Lewis – representing the Cook Islands – will all return from international duty next week.
The Lewis siblings have been central to their adopted nation’s winning start to the 2018 Polynesian Cup in Samoa.
Keziah top scored against the hosts with Adoniah adding a double figure haul of her own. And the duo was in similarly sparkling form against Tahiti as the Cook Islanders went top of their group ahead of game three against American Samoa.
“It’s great to see all of the girls doing so well and it can only be good for the Eagles,” added Ohrdorf. “We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that they come back fit and well.”
