Samantha Thornton

Biography

Thornton was a member of the national team roster for several years, from 1989 to 1995 competing at two World Championships; 1990 held in Malaysia and 1994 held in Australia. The Opals not qualifying for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona probably cost Thornton her only chance to compete at an Olympic Games.

In the domestic Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), Thornton played 230 games for Bulleen Boomers (1984–87), Melbourne East (1988–91) and Dandenong Rangers (1992–96). In 1989, Thornton won the Maher Medal for the Australian International Player of the Year. Thornton was also twice named to the WNBL All Star Five, in seasons 1991 and 1993. In 1993, Thornton won the WNBL Top Shooter award with 359 points at an average of 18.9 per game.