The second part to our homage to the British and Irish Lions Tour – it is Super League Basketball Women’s turn for a talented roster to be constructed for a hypothetical tour of the USA.

As the WNBA continues to thrive after 2024 saw superstar, Caitlin Clark, arrive at the Indiana Fever – it would be a disservice to female British basketball if we did not highlight the ever growing talent in Super League Basketball Women.

It is time to construct a fearsome roster that could compete in a British and Irish Lions Tour format that would see Super League Basketball Women’s brightest stars shine against the revered talent that subsides in the WNBA.

Point Guard: Sam Ashby – Oaklands Wolves

The spectacular Sam Ashby gets the nod ahead of a player who has a right to feel aggrieved after being demoted to the bench – Claire Jacobs narrowly misses out on this one.

By recently being announced as the SLBW Cup Final MVP, Ashby displayed her ability to perform when the pressure is mounting as she bagged 12 points to led the Wolves to their first ever trophy as a franchise.

The point guard generates another dimension to the roster as a dangerous three-point shooter – draining 37 three-point attempts over the course of the season. An attribute that will force defenders to apply pressure at the perimeter and freeing up space for her teammates.

Despite not being the top-scorer in the league, Ashby is demonstrating that she can be devastating when given the opportunity – scoring 16.2 points per game while shooting 46.6% from the floor.

Sam Ashby’s hustle stats will put the elite talent of the WNBA under constant pressure as she has a knack for forcing the opponent into turning the ball over – stealing the ball 2.2 times per game.

Oaklands’ star-player leaves her ego at the door and will do whatever it takes to win.

Shooting Guard: Danni Williams – Manchester Basketball

Danni Williams has been in scintillating scoring form since departing France in the off-season – chalking up 21.8 points per game, the second highest average in the SLBW.

Manchester Basketball acquired a natural scorer who is not afraid to attempt a high volume of shots – averaging 17.4 field goal attempts.

However, Williams’ willingness to allow others to handle the ball while she showcases outstanding off-ball movement, allowing a partnership with Sam Ashby to blossom.

In addition to her offensive talent, the 28 year old contributes heavily in the rebounding column – snatching 10.3 rebounds per game.

The versatile guard, who can also be utilised in a forward position, will strengthen the SLBW Select on both sides of the court.

Small Forward: Danielle McCray – Oaklands Wolves

Due to the fashion in which the Oaklands Wolves have steamrollered their way through the SLBW this year, it would have been a dereliction of duty to not add a second player from their roster into this line-up.

Danielle McCray is another fantastic player who may not have elite numbers this season, however, she has been apart of a unit that has put their egos aside and created a cohesive philosophy that has proven to be successful.

That being said, McCray is still tallying excellent numbers for the year – putting up 12.1 points and collecting 7.4 rebounds per game.

It should also be emphasised that the Oaklands forward will bring tireless defensive energy to the floor that will allow the SLBW Select to pose WNBA teams serious issues in transition.

Currently. she records 2.2 steals per game.

By adding Danielle McCray onto the roster, it will add another string to the bow of this already menacing outfit. 

Power Forward: Tyia Singleton – B. Braun Sheffield Hatters

Sheffield Hatters pulled of a master stroke when they completed the signing of Tyia Singleton.

Injuries may have limited her opportunities to dominate on the court, but when Singleton has been healthy, she has been phenomenal – averaging 17.2 points per game and scoring 20+ points on five occasions.

Not only will the gifted forward add more scoring prowess to this already vicious roster, additionally she will enforce the SLBW Select’s ability to command the battle of the boards – plucking 8 rebounds out of the air per game.

Furthermore, 4.3 of these rebounds are seized on the offensive end of the court, bestowing herself and her colleagues with several essential second-chance opportunities. 

Being in a team with a volume shooter such as Danni Williams, Tyia Singleton should be presented countless opportunities to exhibit an intimidating figure in and around the basket.

Center: Brooke Flowers – Essex Rebels 

The final acquisition to this magnificent Super League Basketball Women Select team is the defensive powerhouse, Brooke Flowers.

Flowers will not be judged on her scoring ability on this team, only her ability to stifle the opposition and their devastating offensive players in the painted area.

Standing at 6 foot and 5 inches, the resilient Rebels center poses as an intimidating presence on the defensive end of the court as she commands the SLBW in blocked shots – recording 2.9 per game, 1.5 more than the player in second place.

Not that this team needed another superior rebounder amongst its ranks, nevertheless, Flowers averages an impressive 9.8 rebounds per game.

A player of this physical stature will also provide an effective option in the pick and roll game, manufacturing the separation and the spacing that the offensive talent will need to put points on the scoreboard.

Bench Unit:

Claire Jacobs – Nottingham Wildcats

Jada Guinn – Newcastle Eagles 

Tierra Hodges – Newcastle Eagles

Kiara Stewart – Cardiff Met Archers

Ashlee Lewis – Nottingham Wildcats