Maddie Allen has been described as an "elite defender" when the Newcastle-born basketballer joined fellow Novocastrian Katie Ebzery in re-signing with WNBL outfit the Perth Lynx.
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The announcement was made on Thursday, less than 24 hours out from celebrating her 27th birthday, meaning Allen will now make it three straight seasons at the Western Australian franchise.
Lynx coach Ryan Petrik praised Allen's skill set, which was also recognised at Perth's presentation with the Hunters junior named best defensive player for 2019-20.
"Maddie isn't just a great defender, she's an elite defender," Pertik told Lynx media.
"She's excellent as both an on-ball defender and as a help defender, plus she can switch onto smalls in pick and rolls. Defensively, she's the complete package."
Allen, a former Australian under-17 representative who made her WNBL debut with the Canberra Capitals in 2016-17, said she enjoys working with mentor Petrik.
"Ryan was the first coach to really understand my game, to be able to have that understanding at a WNBL level is something I'm really looking forward to," she said.
Ebzery, Lynx co-captain and last season's club MVP who is striving for a second Olympics appearance with the Opals in Tokyo next year, recently agreed to another season with Perth. The upcoming 21-round WNBL campaign tips off November 20.
Meanwhile, Basketball NSW released the 2020 Waratah League draw on Thursday and the Newcastle women's squad will open their title defence against the Bears at North Sydney on July 18.
The reigning champions and the Hunters men's team then host double headers at Newcastle Basketball Stadium against Manly the next Saturday, Canberra on August 8 and Central Coast on September 12. Newcastle's male side also have a stand-alone home game against Bankstown on August 1.
The Mustangs, who won't field a women's squad this year, begin their men's campaign with a visit from the Sea Eagles at Maitland Federation Centre on July 18 before welcoming Sutherland (August 1) and Hills (August 8) in back-to-back fixtures.
Maitland will also house a battle for the Kibble Mallon Cup between holders the Mustangs and rivals Newcastle on August 29.
Finals for the abbreviated season will take place on September 19 and 20.
