Posted on 8 February, 2019

The Kilsyth Lady Cobras have signed 2018 SEABL league MVP Lauren Nicholson for their debut season in the Victorian Elite State League (official name TBA).

Nicholson joins the Lady Cobras following a spectacular 2018 SEABL campaign, producing one of the most impressive statistical seasons in recent history. The uber-efficient Nicholson averaged a league-best 25.3 points per game in 2018, shooting an incredible 56.3 percent from the field (third in SEABL), a league-leading 51.4% from three, and 85.3% from the foul line (fifth in SEABL). Nicholson’s scoring numbers weren’t her only standout in 2018, though, as she pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game – and remarkably led the SEABL in offensive rebounds – to go along with 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game; good for tenth in the league.

Her total dominance of the SEABL in 2018 made her a no-brainer pick for league MVP, and her individual play translated into team success, as she led Launceston to the SEABL Championship game. Rounding out a stellar season, the former Saint Mary’s Gael standout recorded nine double-doubles and reached the 30 point mark on seven different occasions, including a season-high 39 points against Hobart in Round 2.

Kilsyth head coach Sam Woosnam is ecstatic about having Nicholson join the Lady Cobras for the season ahead, and has had her eye on the do-it all wing since early in 2018.

“Lauren is a complete player and after watching her in the WNBL and coaching against her in SEABL, I knew she was the player I wanted and needed in our program,” Woosnam said.

“Who wouldn’t be happy about signing the reining league MVP?

“She just gets the job done on both ends of the floor with no fuss and is a great person. I can’t wait to have her join the rest of the group and look forward to seeing her in the red and black.”

Nicholson is set to join Kilsyth at the conclusion of the WNBL season with the Adelaide Lightning, and her gaudy SEABL numbers have translated to one of the world’s best leagues. Nicholson ranks second on the Lightning roster in scoring (13.1ppg) – shooting 50% from the field and 49% from three point land – helping lead Adelaide to a WNBL Finals showdown against the Canberra Capitals.

The best-of-three WNBL Finals series tips-off on Saturday February 9 at 5.30pm.