Seattle Storm re-signed veteran forwards Alysha Clark and Jenna O’Hea
From the team:
The Seattle Storm today announced that the franchise has re-signed veteran forwards Alysha Clark and Jenna O’Hea.
“Bringing back Alysha and Jenna was one of our top priorities,” said Storm President & GM Alisha Valavanis. “They have a strong connection with our fans, are both role models in the community and will continue to be important leaders on the team.”
Alysha Clark
Clark led the league in 2-point field goal percentage, (68.9%), true field goal percentage (64.4), effective field goal percentage (62.0%), and ranked fourth in field goal percentage (54.4). She was inserted into the starting lineup just two games into the 2015 regular-season slate and logged 26 games of 20+ minutes played. She averaged career-highs in multiple statistical categories, including: 6.9 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, 54.5% field goal percentage, 35.3% three-point field goal percentage and 23.1 minutes per game.
“Alysha has become one of the most efficient and versatile players in the league, mastering the things that do not show up in stat sheets but lead to team success,” said Storm head coach Jenny Boucek. “Her work ethic, toughness, team-first mentality and basketball IQ make her a strong leader and role model for our franchise.”
Currently playing overseas in Israel for Maccabi Ashdod, Clark is averaging team-highs in both points (15.4 per game) and rebounds (8.8 per game). Drafted 17th overall by San Antonio in 2010, Clark signed with the Storm as a free agent prior to the 2012 WNBA season.
“I am excited and thankful to be continuing my career in Seattle,” said Clark. “I could not have dreamed a better journey in the WNBA! Going from not knowing if I would make it through an entire training camp to building towards the future with an amazing coach, teammates and organization is a blessing. I can’t wait to keep growing, on and off the court, in the city that gave me my first opportunity. See you in May Stormcrazies!”
Jenna O’Hea
“Jenna brings an elite work ethic, toughness and professionalism along with second-to-none humility and loyalty,” said Boucek. “She has expanded her game into a legitimate playmaking threat on the wing and we are thrilled to have her back in Seattle.”
O’Hea appeared in all 34 of Seattle’s regular-season games in 2015, starting 14. She posted averages of 5.9 points per game and 2.4 assists per game, both career-highs, and averaged 1.9 rebounds per game. She set new single-game career-highs with 17 points, including 3-of-6 shooting from deep, on June 25, 2015. The five-year WNBA veteran spent three seasons with Los Angeles (2011-13) before being traded to Seattle prior to the 2014 campaign in exchange for a 2015 second-round draft selection.
“I couldn’t be more excited to re-sign with the Storm,” said O’Hea. “The organization, the city and the fans have welcomed me with open arms since I arrived and I hope to give back as much as they have all given me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Storm team and I am looking forward to many great years ahead.”
The Melbourne, Australia native has an extensive history with the Australian Opals. She led the u-20 team in scoring at the 2007 World Championship, averaging 16.5 points per game. She then was named to the senior national team in 2009 and was rostered for the Opals 2010 FIBA World Championship team, followed by competing in the 2012 London Olympics with the Opals, winning a bronze medal.
