Day: September 4, 2024

Hibernians sign Mikayla Brandon

After a double import signing announcement for Hibernians’ men’s team, the Paolites announced their next import signing when they named US forward Mikayla Brandon to their squad for the coming season.

“From the USA to Malta, via Ireland! We’re thrilled to announce that Mikayla Brandon is joining our Women’s Senior Team,” a club statement read.

“Mikayla, an American talent who made waves in Ireland last season, brings her skill, experience, and competitive spirit to our court.”

6’1 player Brandon joins the team after a professional debut in Ireland with the Limerick Celtics in the Irish Women’s Division One. In 17 games played, the Illinois native averaged 14.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. Brandon was the starting small forward for the team as they finished second in the South Conference in the regular season. She was also awarded the Women’s Division 1 Cup MVP award at the end of the season after the team won the cup competition. 

Before that, she played college ball in the US NCAA Division One with Denver University.

Now she joins a Hibs side heading in a new coaching direction after the club appointed Winnie Buhagiar earlier this summer. Since then, the team has upgraded its roster, bringing to Paola former Starlites trio Steffi De Martino, Maria Bonett, and Andie Saliba. 

Valletta sign Fusion Quest duo as Schembri joins from Depiro

As Valletta BC continues to extend its rosters for the men’s and women’s teams, the club has announced three new additions to the squads, naming Serbian player Sara Kankaras (women’s team) and Maltese duo Alexia Parnis (women’s team) and Darryl Schembri (men’s team) as the newest Citizen players.

Kankaras brings with her experience in her home country, having played with Vrbas Medela in the Serbian Druga Zenska Liga Srbije back in the 2017-18 season. Added to that was her stint with Fusion Quest last season before they opted out of MBA basketball over the summer due to financial difficulties.

“We can officially announce Sara Kankaras as a citizen player,” a club statement read. Sara used to play for Vrbas in Serbia where she won various national and regional titles. She was also part of the Serbian national team and grabbed many individual honours in her young career.”

A few hours later, the team announced local guard Parnis.

“We are proud to announce Alexia Parnis as a Lioness,” the Capital club said. 

“Alexia is a fast guard with vast experience in the Junior Categories where she was crowned champion in the Under-16 section.”

Parnis joins the team as another acquisition from Fusion Quest’s end. The former Luxol youth player made her return to basketball in January and will now be starting anew with Valletta as the team adds to its squad depth ahead of an interesting debut in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League.

Schembri joins Citizens

Meanwhile, former Depiro Hoops player Darryl Schembri has joined the club’s men’s team, the Citizens have confirmed.

“We would like to announce Darrel Schembri as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta said in a statement.

“The 192cm player started basketball at the age of 7 years, he won the second division title two years ago and represented Malta in the FIBA competitions.”