College star joins Bandits

Lepaio originally hails from Bathurst, but has spent the last four years playing for South Carolina-based side Newberry Wolves.

A 188-centimetre centre, Lepaio averaged 13.4 points-per-game and 9.3 rebounds, a club record.

She played every game in the Wolves’ run to the 2015 South Atlantic Conference Championship, and was named tournament MVP.   

At just 23-years old, coach Jim Wilson said Lepaio would be a valuable addition to his developing side.

“We're pretty excited to sign a player of Haylee's calibre,” he said.

“She brings a massive inside presence that this side hasn't seen for years.

“She's got the basketball IQ that we've been looking for.

“She plays both ends of the court very well.”

Lepaio's versatility and consistency was what caught the inbound mentor's eye as he was hunting for recruits.

Her coach at the Wolves, Australian Sean Page, said she was statistically the best ever player at Newberry.

She was the Wolves all-time leading scorer and second in rebounds and blocks at the end of her time with the college. 

“She was very consistent over the four years at Newberry,” Wilson said.

“She'll be a very hard player to defend, she plays both sides of her body very well.

“She'll be a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the post.”

Wilson said there would be wholesale changes in the Lady Bandits roster ahead of the upcoming season.

While star guard Montana Farrah-Seaton is likely to return, the veteran mentor said he wanted to make the ailing Lady Bandits sustainable for the years to come.

“Part of the reason I took over was to help get the team settled and ready for the future,” he said.

“Everyone we're bringing in wants to take their game further.

“Hopefully it's going to be a good mix.

“When you bring in youth, you bring in enthusiasm.

“We're looking to bring in one more really good recruit, but there will still be plenty of room for the local players on the roster to get opportunities.

“It'll be a new look team, but we won't be worrying about our wins and losses.

“It has to be about winning every contest, then every quarter, and so on.”

The likes of Carly Perso, Olivia Storer and Steph Gorman will likely find a few more minutes as Wilson looks to expand his local contingent.

All three showed some flashes of potential in limited time on court last season.

The pre-season has already begun for the local contingent, with recuits Lepaio, Ellie Junod and Molly Lewis to arrive in Albury in February.

The Lady Bandits won just one match in 2015 under Michael Brookens, who has since departed to coach the Frankston Blues in the upcoming season.