BA London Lions are welcoming back two Barking Academy alumni for the 2019-20 WBBL season after inking deals with Lana Doran and Melita Emanuel-Carr.

A Great Britain international, Emanuel-Carr played in the highly-rated Liga Femenina for the past two seasons with Bembibre, while Doran has represented Nottingham Wildcats and so brings plenty of WBBL know-how to the table for Lions.

Both completed stellar NCAA careers after being members of National Championship winning Barking teams at the start of their respective careers, when the club accumulated 11 National Championships in 12 years.

“This is great news for us,” stated head coach Mark Clark.

“It’s exciting to have players coming back to Barking and developing after both Lana and Melita played for us and the age group national teams before going to college. Both had successful college careers, with Lana also winning a National Championship.

“Secondly, we have acquired quality and experience that will enable us to compete for 40 minutes, with both also bringing a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“It’s been 6 years since I’ve played in London, so I’m happy to be back playing in my home town this year as my family and friends will be able to watch me play live,” said Emanuel-Carr.

“And, it is always a pleasure to be coached by Mark Clark,” she added.

Meanwhile Doran stated: “I am excited about going back to Barking since I know the majority of players and I am particularly looking forward to playing with Lavinia (Da Silva) and a great group of people.

“In my first year back at Barking I want to make sure that we see Lions back in the WBBL Play-Offs again,” she concluded.