Ballarat Basketball Club general manager Robbie Burns confirmed yesterday that Ashby would suit up again. He said Ashby was an integral part of the Lady Miners and the club was extremely happy to retain her services.

Lady Miners coach Kym Cassells said she was thrilled that Ashby was playing on. "She brings so much experience to the team, which is important in the development of our younger players," she said.

Ashby's decision to back up from a big season with the Bulleen Boomers in the Women's National Basketball League is a significant boost for the Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners. Ashby stated on joining Bulleen that she would wait until well into her second stint in the WNBL before making up her mind about the 2007 SEABL season. It will mean 18 months straight without a break from the game for the 27-year-old centre.

"I'm as keen as ever," Ashby said. "We have a real chance to push for a third consecutive ABA national title." Ashby said she was feeling great physically and the short break between the WNBL and SEABL seasons meant she would be in great shape for another campaign with Ballarat.

Ashby was the standout player in the SEABL last year. The Lady Miners captain took out the competition's Most Valuable Player Award and led Ballarat to a second consecutive Australian Basketball Association national title.

Ashby worked tirelessly, averaging 35 minutes of court time in 24 SEABL appearances. She shot 429 points at an average of 17.9 points - at 51 per cent from the field and 75 per cent from the free-throw line. She averaged 10.8 rebounds a game and complements this with 84 assists, 40 blocks and 26 steals.

Ashby, who played her only season in the WNBL with Bulleen in 1998, has also had a significant role alongside Hollie Grima and Desi Glaubitz for the Boomers.

Bulleen are clinging to fourth position in a desperate battle for a finals berth with one week of the regular season to go.

The Lady Miners and Retireinvest Ballarat Miners will have their first serious hit-outs of the year on Sunday, February 4, as part of a family day at the Minerdome. The Miners play the Geelong Supercats and Lady Miners meet the Victorian under-20 team.