By JARROD POTTER
CAVALIERS’ recruiting spree has unearthed another weapon – with former Western Port Steelers’ dynamo Keira Beswick joining Casey.
Beswick has been a thorn in the side of opposition coaches for the entirety of her Big V basketball career and her addition to the Cavaliers’ already strong list will be a further headache for opposition coaches.
Her 2012 average statistics are staggering – averaging a double-double of 14.3 points and 11.6 rebounds while also dishing off 2.3 assists and claiming 3.5 steals.
She was pipped at the post for the 2012 awards in average points, rebounds and assists by current Casey players Renae Mokrzycki and Lara Pauline – highlighting Beswick’s talent up and down the court.
Surprisingly Beswick was close to retiring at the end of her phenomenal 2012, but watching the Big V pre-season tournament sparked her desire to continue playing – and Casey was where she decided to play.
“I was watching them last season when I was playing at Western Port and I couldn’t believe the strength and the spirit of the team as a first year team,” Beswick said.
“Was originally going to retire and circumstances changed and I really missed it (playing basketball), so I got in contact with Lara and asked if they’d have me at Casey.
“I’m buying a house and sort of getting to that stage of my life where I’m settling down and doing those things.
“Last year I made the call probably a bit prematurely, but I think having that six-month break over the off-season and not focusing on basketball made me miss it.
Beswick isn’t out to replicate her Western Port numbers at Casey – with her major goals just to play her part in helping the Cavaliers attain their inaugural Big V premiership.
“The ultimate would be for us to win a premiership, but I’d just like to bring a bit of experience to the team,” Beswick said.
“I feel very privileged that they’ve taken me on so late – as the season has already started – so I’m looking forward to making a difference and I’m pumped for the year ahead.”
Casey Cavaliers coach Mark Holman was ecstatic with Beswick’s signing – as a player of her talent isn’t commonplace within the league, let alone as a free agent in late March.
“Very excited,” Holman said.
“We got a phone call from her and basically made room for her as she’s such a good player.
“She was dominant last year playing for Western Port – playing against them last year the game plan was effectively to go in and stop her and you stop them.
“It was good when she gave us a call – she’s not looking to be a focal point or a superstar, she just wants to come in and contribute because we’ve already got so many good players.”
Beswick will don the Cavaliers’ colours for the first time on Saturday night as part of the Cavaliers’ triple-header at Cranbourne Basketball Stadium.
The Cavaliers women tip-off at 6.30pm.
