Poppy Stevens, Grace Spehar among next-gen stars representing Geelong United at Hoopsfest
Geelong United has shied away from sending a full-strength WNBL roster to this week’s Hoopsfest tournament, instead showcasing several up-and-comers in their line-up.
Geelong United will roll out their first side in Hoopsfest’s WNBL pre-season tournament — but don’t expect to see their big-name signings.
While clubs such as reigning champs Southside Flyers, Perth Lynx and Adelaide Lightning will roll out with near full-strength sides for this week’s showcase in Perth, others, including United have gone with line-ups featuring next generation players spanning the Geelong region and into south-west Victoria.
Geelong United play their upcoming round 1 opponent Townsville Fire on Thursday night, before lining up against Canberra Capitals on Saturday, two clubs who have leaned towards young talent.
Hoopsfest is billed as a festival of games, including round 1 of the NBL season, a WNBL tournament and the under 18 Australian Club Championships.
The Geelong Advertiser takes a look at Geelong United’s Hoopsfest line up.
Poppy Stevens
The 16-year-old guard lined up for United’s Youth League One side this past season, where she averaged 17.87 points, 2.93 assists and 5.87 rebounds to earn a spot in the All Star Five. Debuted for Geelong United’s NBL1 side though didn’t see big minutes, appearing in 19 games to average 2.05 points and 1.47 rebounds.
Poppy Myers
Hailing from south-west coastal town Port Fairy, Myers has been a regular state representative for Victoria Country, including this year’s U18 bronze medal winning team as a bottom-ager. The guard has lined up for a handful of games for Warrnambool in the Big V the past two seasons.
Miley Dawkins
The small forward has lined up for Geelong United’s Youth League 1 team this year, averaging 11.88 points and 6.96 rebounds. Also plays for St Albans 17&U netball side as a goaler.
Kiara Foster
The forward has lined up for Geelong United in the VJBL and Youth League One, where she averaged 5.75 points and 5.75 rebounds from 12 games in the latter.
Sienna McCumber
Played Youth League 2 with Surfcoast Chargers in 2024, where she averaged 16.60 points, 10.10 rebounds and 2.60 assists from 10 games.
Taneille Knight
Originally from Portland, Knight moved to Geelong to further her basketball pursuits. Previously played for Geelong in the NBL1, the 20-year-old has spent the last few years in Wyndham’s Big V championship side. This year, the 20-year-old averaged 9.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals a game. Was a development player for Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL team last season.
Grace Spehar
The 19-year-old centre averaged 8.94 points and 8.35 rebounds for Geelong United’s Youth League One team, as was on their NBL1 list, appearing in eight games.
Dakota Crichton
The 19-year-old has played the last years in Warrnambool, best on in their 2023 division one flag before averaging 18.18 points, 8.32 rebounds and 2.55 steals in 2024 in championship division to be named an All Star 5 and Youth Player of the Year. Can stretch and run the floor and is aggressive on both ends of the court.
Ally Knights
The point guard lined up for Big V championship outfit Bellarine Storm in 2024, after four years in the US on college scholarship. The daughter of Tigers great Matthew Knight, she averaged 7.75 points and 2.94 assists in 16 games, and has
previously played for Geelong United in NBL1.
Originally published as Poppy Stevens, Grace Spehar among next-gen stars representing Geelong United at Hoopsfest
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