The Perth Redbacks are excited to announce they have secured the services of Ohio native, Emilee Harmon, for the 2017 SBL season.

Harmon, a 6’2 Forward/Centre hailing from Pickerington, Ohio, will bring much valued height, firepower and professionalism to an ever improving Redbacks side.

Coming out of high school in 2009, Emilee was ranked 23rd best prospect in the USA and the 4th overall in the state of Ohio.  After her senior year, Emilee was named Associated Press Co-Player of the Year for Ohio and 1st Team All State for a third straight year.  After finishing her high school career, Emilee was invited to the U/18 Team USA Olympic training camp and was recruited by schools such as Duke, Stanford, Purdue and Notre Dame before committing to Ohio State.

After a successful 4 year collegiate career at the prestigious Ohio State Buckeye program, Harmon madeher professional debut in the 2014 Irish premier league season for TM Hotel Cork, spear heading the side to a minor premiership and eventual championship. Harmon then foundher way over to Australia where she has competed in the talent laden SEABL competition for the previous 3 seasons with the Albury Wodonga Bandits, Launceston Tornadoes and the powerhouse Nunawading Spectres.

Harmon will now join Perth after 66 SEABL games with averages of 16.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.4apg, whilst shooting 49.9% from the field and 70% from the charity stripe over the span

When asked what drew her to the Perth Redbacks, Harmon stated “I felt like I was ready for something new in my career and the Redbacks crossed paths with me at just the right time for that. The way the club handled everything during the process spoke highly of their character”.

“The Redbacks are due for a successful season and a trophy run so I want to do everything that I can to help make that happen while working alongside the other players and staff. I was told that the Redbacks need a post presence down low who can own the paint by being a threat offensively and defensively. So that is what I intend to bring to the table. I am excited about the 2017 season and look forward to meeting my teammates and getting this thing going!” Harmon said after agreeing to terms with the club.

Head coach Keith Horwood was thrilled to learn that the pursuit of Harmon had been successful “I’m really excited about the signing of Emilee. Not only because we are bringing in our first ever import player to the Perth Redbacks, but she has already proven to be a person of great character and the type of player who means business”

“I’m certain she’s not only going to be a real presence in the paint for us, but also add a new and elevated level of professionalism to the program. Emilee is just the type of person and player we have needed to add to the current squad to take us where we want to go” Horwood said.

Emilee joining the Perth Redbacks for 2017 will mark a historic moment for the association, which for the first time in its 52 years of operation, will have a professional female importtake the floor in the red jersey.

With Harmon leading the charge, the side will no doubt be looking to build on a successful season that saw them return to the playoffs in 2016 and hopefully have the ladies stake a claim for the SBL title, which has eluded the club since the 2000 campaign.

Welcome Emilee! 


Article courtesy of Perth Basketball Association.