Manchester Mystics look set to continue as one of the leading franchises in the WBBL after it was confirmed their leading duo Rheanne Bailey and Georgia Jones have re-signed for the 2019-20 campaign.

Both players have huge experience and continually prove themselves as two of the leading performers in the league, with head coach Jeff jones delighted to get them both back on the roster.

He said: “Rheanne is signing with us for another year and it means we are retaining some of our core players. She is a great leader and passionate player. She holds herself and others accountable and is very much the glue of this team.

“Rheanne works hard, does what is asked of her which is why I’m looking forward to another year with her on my team. She is also very good with our younger players and a key part in helping them develop as athletes and people.”

He continued: “Our captain Georgia Jones is returning for another year and I know this season she is hungry for success. It was great watching her play over the summer with Great Britain during their historic FIBA Women’s EuroBasket campaign and hopefully she can use the experience to increase the standards of our team.

“It is always a great signing for us, Georgia is one of the best point guards in the country and controls the pace and tempo of our team. Her IQ, experience and ability to pass and facilitate play helps get the most out of all of our players.”

The players themselves are also thrilled to be back, with Bailey stating: “I am really happy to be re-signing with Mystics. This team has become my family over the past few years and Manchester is very much becoming my serving home.

“I’m eager to improve on last year’s performances and make a real push for some silverware. This year I’m returning with a new role as the MMU women’s head coach and the women’s basketball sports development officer, which is great for my professional development. So hopefully I will be making an impact on the court as well as behind the scenes.”

Meanwhile Jones added: “It’s great to be back in Manchester for a fourth season! After a busy summer internationally, I’m looking forward to this year and bringing added experience to the team.

“We have had a core group of players for the last couple of years now so I expect our ability to play together and for each other to be one of our biggest strengths this year.

“I’m excited to get back on court with not only great players but great people and competing every game. We have enough experience to win any game this season so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” concluded the GB star.

Source: WBBL