FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Media Relations
Ringwood Hawks Website
Big V Basketball League Website
SOMERS, Wis. (Aug. 15, 2013)-- Former University of Wisconsin-Parkside women's basketball standout Jadee Rooney is experiencing unprecedented success in her rookie campaign with the Ringwood Hawks of the Big V League in Australia, leading the league in several statistical categories as her team is heading to the grand final championship beginning this weekend.
Rooney and the Hawks face the Hume City Broncos in a best of three series beginning on Aug. 17 at the Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium. Game two of the series will be contested on Aug. 24 at the home floor of the Hawks, the Maroonah Indoor Sports Centre, which will also host the decisive game three if necessary the following day.
Rooney's pro career started with a bang, as the 2012 UW-Parkside graduate poured on 30 points in her debut on March 16 against the Melbourne Tigers, draining six three-pointers. The guard hasn't been slowed since, finishing in double figures in every game but one, helping the Hawks claim the regular season title with a 16-2 record. Rooney leads the Big V League in scoring (19.9 ppg), three-point field goal percentage (42.9 percent), total points (318) and three-point field goals made (45) while also averaging 4.1 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists per game.
"(The 30-point debut) definitely helped my confidence knowing I was able to score and play in this league," said Rooney. "I knew I wanted to make it to the grand finals and hopefully win it all, that's what I always expect as a ball player, to win it all. Now we are in the position to do that!"
A big key to her success has been her ability to quickly adapt to the more physical style of play in the Australian professional game.
When not suited up for the Hawks, Rooney is involved in the community, coaching two girls teams and conducting private basketball lessons. Rooney plans on returning to the United States for two months after the season ends before returning to suburban Melbourne for another season with the Ringwood Hawks.
Rooney finished her decorated career third in program history in scoring (1,685 points), field goals (617) and three-pointers (248) while becoming the first Division II Honorable Mention All-American in school history. The three-time All-GLVC selection helped the Rangers secure two Great Lakes Valley Conference division titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Sweet 16. During her four year tenure, UW-P compiled a mark of 89-31.
