Category: Women’s League

Valletta sign 6’3 Taissia Nikishina as transfer coup continues

Milica Stefanovic, Nicole Montalvo, Maria Momcilovic join Capital Club

Valletta BC women have announced more signings these past few days as the Capital club confirmed Russian centre Taissia Nikishina, Milica Stefanovic, together with former Fusion Quest duo Maria Momcilovic and Nicole Montalvo.

Nikishina is believed to be the team’s hottest prospect this coming season, bringing height to the roster which has already shown its intentions with further signings like Sabrina Abugrin Alexia Parnis, Sara Kakaras, and Maria Mifsud. 

Sources have told Malta Basketball, that the Capital club believes the 6’3 youngster has a lot of potential and they are looking forward to her debut at Ta’ Qali in November.

“We are proud to announce Taissia Nikishina as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta said in a statement.

“Taissia is the youngest player of our club but is considered a fantastic prospect. She is a very hardworking player and a bright future awaits her.

“The 190cm centre is returning to the game she loves after having a successful time in athletics.”

Meanwhile, the club also brought in former Athleta women’s team player Stefanovic. The Serbian was on the books of the Gzira-based club during their last experience in the MAPFRE Women’s League before a hiatus that ended this summer as the team returned to the league yet again.

“We are thrilled to announce Milica Tasman Stefanovic as a Lioness,” a club statement read.

“Milica has been playing basketball since she was 6 and amongst the teams she played for, she played for BIP Basketball Club, Vozdovac Basketball Club and Radnicki Belgrade.

“She has achieved a lot of titles throughout her career and her experience is definitely a huge asset for the Capital’s team.”

Later in the week, Valletta added another two players to their squad, with Nicole Montalvo and Maria Momcilovic joining fellow former Fusion Quest players Alexia Parnis and Sarah Kankaras at the Capital club.

Athleta Women sign Nicole Vella

New MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League team Athleta have begun their preparations for their debut and have signed former Fusion Quest player Nicole Vella, Malta Basketball has learnt.

Athleta introduced themselves to the women’s league in July when they announced former Depiro women’s coach Adrian Baldacchino as their new coach for the senior and Under-23 teams. Now they have landed an experienced player in Vella.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that Vella chose Athleta after having been presented with two different offers and will be playing as the team’s captain this coming season. 

The former Hibernians and Luxol player was on the books of Fusion last season upon her return to the court but it was not to be for the club as the league minnows disbanded after the end of the season.

Having failed to secure sponsorship for the coming season, the team struggled to make ends meet, ultimately opting out of the coming season. Now, the club’s players have returned to the player market, with a number of them said to be heading to the two new clubs. 

Athleta have also recently issued a call for tryouts that took place this past week with hopes of further building up their roster for the coming season.

MBA finalises new season’s draws

As Maltese clubs prepare for the 2024/25 basketball season, the many changes made over the summer will be in full focus in two months’ time after the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) made its draw for the new campaign last week.

With an official start date of September 29 with the Super Cup finals for men and women, a trio of leagues will pit against each other seven teams in the BOV Division One, six teams in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, and seven more teams in the BOV Amateur League.

Following the Super Cup fixtures, the league campaign begins for Division One on October 3, with the John Tabone Shield tipping off during the following week. The MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League will begin in November after the Shield. Later on, in February, teams will compete for the second cup competition of the season when they battle for the Knockout.

The MBA drew the initial Men’s Knockout draws on Thursday where they pitted against each other six teams as Hibernians were awarded a bye.

Malta champions Starlites will be aiming for anything close to what they achieved last season, as they defend their crown in all domestic competitions, starting off with the Super Cup where they are set to face last season’s Knockout finalists Depiro. Paul Ferrante’s clan have since upgraded their squad despite the loss of captain Alec Felice Pace, bringing in fresh faces for their debut in the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers and their return to the local league. 

They face Depiro after three successive finals against Mellieha Libertas who have opted out of the coming season. Instead, they will come against a Depiro side in transition this coming campaign as they have made changes in all departments of the club. Sasha Dimitrijevic now leads the team as head coach, while a number of new players have made their way from rival clubs.

After the unfortunate ending of Mellieha Libertas, the BOV Division One looked set for a season with six clubs in action at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion. However, the league will be back to seven teams this coming campaign as last season’s Division Two side Mosta Tigers has made the step upwards to play in Division One as Tigers Basketball Team this year.

Tigers Basketball Team to be Division One’s seventh club

After a social media post by a local Valletta Facebook page hinted about the introduction of a new team, Malta Basketball can confirm that the team, a partner club of Valletta Basketball Club – who will be playing as Valletta Lions this season – will be part of the MBA league. 

“Valletta Basketball Club is thrilled to announce that this year we will have FIVE incredible teams competing!” The post read.

“Our club is stronger than ever, and we’re ready to bring passion, skill, and excitement to every game. Join us in cheering for our teams as they aim for glory in their respective divisions!

The new team is just one of many improvements made by the Valletta Basketball Club after securing new players for their original team while introducing a new women’s team.

While the team’s introduction is yet to be made official by the capital club, Tigers Basketball Team has already been drawn in next season’s competitions, assuring participation in all MBA Division One competitions.

Meanwhile, two new teams will hit the court in the Women’s League as Valletta and Athleta both introduced a team of their own, compensating for the loss of Fusion Quest who, like Mellieha, decided to stop participating.

In Division Two, no less than three new teams will be taking part with two Valletta BC-managed teams: Pieta Tamaraw and Qormi Dragons, and another team called Kylin will join Starlites, Depiro Hoops, Hibs, and Shamrock Stars.

Men’s Knockout Draws

First Round Fixtures will take place on February 16

DepiroTigers BT
LuxolValletta Lions
StarlitesAthleta

Sasha Lecuyer returns to Malta, joins Starlites

Former Loughborough Riders guard Sasha Lecuyer has returned to Malta after five seasons in the UK to join MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League side Starlites, the club announced this week.

“Welcoming back Sasha Lecuyer, a familiar face with the Starlites organisation,” the Naxxar-based club said in a statement. 

“The last time Sasha played for the club was 6 years ago when she had been awarded the MVP award in the U16 women’s category. Now, after her stint playing in the UK for Loughborough University in D1, where she ranked in the top 10 for 3-pointers made across the league, as well as the professional WBBL team Riders, Sasha is ready to share her leadership and playing expertise with a young, but promising Senior Women squad this season.”

Lecuyer heads back home after a successful stint in the WNBL, with experience in the WBBL with the team’s higher-ranked side the Leicester Riders during the 2020/21 season.

Last season in the WNBL Division One, Lecuyer played 13 games, averaging 9.1 points, 2.5 assists, and four rebounds per game and will be hoping to bring back home her shooting accuracy after last month, she was named eighth in the WNBL’s All-time three-point leaders with 121 throughout her UK run.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead of us. Being surrounded by such a young team brings a sense of energy and excitement. It feels great to be back here and can’t wait for the season to start!!” Lecuyer told the club’s socials.

Starlites will be aiming for a steady transition after taking on a different direction within their team for the coming season but it seems with the acquisition of Lecuyer and import player Makaila Napoleon. Malta Basketball believes the club will also be bringing on former Hibernians player Fanni Fabok by the end of the transfer season as the team looks to maintain height among the squad.

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.”

Valletta sign Maria Mifsud

After the confirmation of Sabrina Abugrin earlier this week, Valletta Basketball Club Women announced another signing on Saturday, naming Maria Mifsud to their roster.

“Another addition to our Women’s team is Maria Mifsud. Maria’s family roots are from Valletta and apart from the local experience she played in Australia with Parramatta Wildcats and Rooty Hill High School,” a club statement read.

“Her favourite player is Magic Johnson and she started basketball after watching a game on TV. Her positivity and dedication are an asset for the new Women’s team representing the Capital.”

Mifsud, a former youth player with Athleta, holds experience from years spent in Australia. Mifsud was on the books of Waratah Basketball League (WABL) side Parramatta Wildcats after her time with Rooty Hill High School.

She now joins the capital club as the team prepares for its debut in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League after its introduction over the summer as the league’s sixth competitor after the addition of Athleta and the citizens covered the loss of Fusion Quest who opted out of the coming season.

Valletta BC Women announce Sabrina Abugrin signing

After Malta Basketball’s report bringing to light the introduction of Valletta Basketball’s women’s team, the Citizens have now announced their first of numerous signings this summer, naming Maltese-Libyan player Sabrina Abugrin to their squad.

Abugrin is no new face to local basketball after having played in youth categories with Athleta and Hibernians. Now she returns to the local scene after having switched to Netball a few years ago, reaching new heights to be also named the Malta Netball national team’s vice-captain.

“We are proud to announce the women’s basketball team competing in the highest division of the Malta Basketball Association,” A Valletta statement read.

“Sabrina Abugrin will be joining us in this new adventure for the club of the capital. 

“She’s 176cm tall and her favourite basketball player is the legendary Kobe Bryant. She has vast experience in the junior categories with Athleta and Hibernians.”

The 25-year-old now joins a Valletta side that has been building up to its debut in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League season under coach Harry Savaya and assistant Daniel Bugeja. 

Abugrin is one of many players returning to the game to join Valletta as sources have said the team will be comprised mostly of those returning players together with a few players from around the local league – including what is said to be two players from Fusion Quest, who opted out of next season – as well as a professional import player to complement the team.

From information seen by Malta Basketball, the team will also be playing under the name Valletta Lionesses.

Valletta Basketball Club to introduce women’s team

After the announcement that Athleta will introduce a women’s team this coming season, Valletta Fighters, who have recently rebranded as Valletta Basketball Club seem to have followed suit and the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League is now set to have no less than two new teams as part of the league’s lineup, Malta Basketball has learnt.

After the club’s debut in the men’s two divisions last season, the Valletta project will expand with their women’s team set to form with players joining the team over the summer break. 

The club teased this introduction on their socials where they showed both the men’s and women’s teams going through pre-season physical training around Valletta.

While there has been no official confirmation of the players taking the court for the Citizens yet, Malta Basketball can confirm that the team will be led by coaches Harry Savaya and Daniel Bugeja just like the men’s team.

Sources said the team is currently comprised of returning players after having recently departed the game. However, recruiting has also included a few players from around the local league – including what is said to be two players from Fusion Quest, who opted out of next season – as well as a professional import player to complement the team.

Fusion BC drop out of local basketball after financial difficulties

After the unfortunate end to Mellieha Libertas earlier this summer, another club has opted out of taking part in the coming season as Malta Basketball has learnt that Fusion Basketball Club has closed its doors.

When reached out to for comment, Fusion said it was a hard financial decision.

“Unfortunately that’s it from Fusion for now,” the club told Malta Basketball, “We don’t have sponsors and it became too hard that we give money from our pockets. We have been part (of the league) for seven or eight years but unfortunately, we need to step away.

“It was a hard decision but it is what it is.”

Later on in the day, the Balkan-based club issued a statement on its socials confirming that the decision had been final. However, they told Malta Basketball that if things were to improve for them, they would be open to returning, echoing this in their statement as well.

“Hello everyone, after seven years of our club, after a long conversation we have made a difficult decision, Fusion Basketball will not be part of the next season in women and men,” the statement read. 

“We are sad that we needed to make this decision but due to some circumstances, the decision is final. If some things are going to change in future we are coming back but for now, we are saying goodbye.

“We want to thanks to all the people who were with us during these years, we want to say thanks to the Malta Basketball Association for accepting us and helping us during these years. Thanks to all clubs from Malta for all the nice games that happened during these years.

“In the end, we want to say thanks to all the players that have been part of our club during these years, guys you made these years so much beautiful. Thanks one more time for this. Good luck to everyone in the coming season! Fusion basketball on and off till some better times for our club!!!!!”