Jessie Edwards is joining the Hoiho. Photo: 2X Inc. The Southern Hoiho will have a real presence under the net this season. They have signed experienced Australian centre Jessie Edwards for a crack at a Tauihi title. Edwards, 29, had a solid American college career, has professional experience in Spain and Germany, and has been dominant in the NBL1 West league in Australia. She will arrive in Dunedin fresh off a perfect 20-0 regular season with the Cockburn Cougars, based in Perth. Edwards powered the Cougars to the final with averages of 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists and 1.6 blocks, shooting a nice 59% from the field. The Cougars then sealed their second NBL1 West title in the space of three years. The 1.93m centre was named to the all-star five after a season in which she reached 200 appearances in the league. Edwards previously earned a full roster spot with the Perth Lynx for the 2022-23 WNBL season, and also had experience of the top Australian league with the Adelaide Lightning. She had career college averages of 5.93 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 57% shooting while at the University of Minnesota. She had eight blocks in a single game, and finished as the Gophers’ sixth all-time leader in blocks and ninth in offensive boards. Edwards played for Ibon Guridi Alcibar in Spain last season and has also represented two clubs in Germany. She joins a Hoiho roster that so far includes all-star guard Paige Bradley, captain Samara Gallaher and Tall Fern Zoe Richards.
