Lightning strike deal with Tall Fern

The Adelaide Lightning announced on Tuesday the signing of New Zealand international Charlotte Whittaker for the rest of the WNBL26 season.

25-year-old Whittaker, fresh off a strong season with Mainland Pouākai in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, joins the Lightning as a Nominated Replacement Player.

During her stint in New Zealand, Whittaker averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

The University of Colorado alum will replace Erin Bollmann on the Lightning's squad, with the latter being released.

“Charlotte brings a strong and commanding presence on the court, and her leadership and character align perfectly with the culture we’re building. Her experience, physicality, and competitiveness will be important as we enter the back half of the season and drive towards a strong finals push," Lightning CEO Melanie MacGillivray said.

The 4-6 Lightning next travel to the Victorian State Basketball Centre on Sunday, December 28 to play the Southside Melbourne Flyers from 12.30pm AEDT.

Tickets to that Round 11 fixture, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and 9Go!, are still available here.