Bunbury products Tayah Burrows and Alira Fotu sign on with WNBL clubs

Bunbury’s Tayah Burrows is back in the Women’s National Basketball League, signing on with Melbourne’s Southside Flyers for the 2024-25 season. The Flyers announced last week they had filled the final spot on their roster with the 23-year-old, who had previously spent four seasons with Perth Lynx. She had opted to take on a new challenge for her 2023-24 campaign, playing with two different clubs in Sweden, but her overseas adventure was brought to a premature end by a badly broken foot which sidelined her for several months. Burrows said she was eager to get back on the court in her new colours. “I am really excited to be back and could not be happier now I am part of the Flyers team,” she said. “We have a great group and Kristi (Harrower) is a fantastic coach. Already, just through the pre-season, I have learned so much and I know my game will continue to develop under Kristi.” Coach Harrower said she was delighted to have Burrows on board. “We know she is talented, and we have now seen her determination first hand,” she said. “Tayah moved to Melbourne to give herself an opportunity to get back into the WNBL and she has certainly earned this opportunity.” The Flyers won last season’s championship but have undergone significant change since, retaining only four players with the legendary Lauren Jackson among their departures. Meanwhile, Bunbury’s Alira Fotu has earned her first WNBL contract, joining the Perth Lynx as a development player. The 17-year-old point guard earned a spot on the roster with some solid showings for the Lynx in their pre-season games during Hoopfest last month. A South West Slammers junior, she averaged 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in the most recent NBL1 West season with Perry Lakes Hawks. The Lynx will start their season at home at Bendat Basketball Centre against the Flyers on Saturday, with the game tipping off at 7pm.