The re-signing of the homegrown duo comes hot on the heels of the experienced Kristy Rinaldi’s decision to play on.

It will be the 22-year-old Alexander’s sixth season, while Burton, 19, will return from her duties as a development player with Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL to play under the guidance of Harvey Norman Rush’s new head coach David Flint.

Alexander will be returning after shoulder surgery in the off-season after suffering a dislocation this year.

She enjoyed her best season in 2014, averaging more than six points,  three rebounds and 21 minutes on court a game.

“I just love it, not just the basketball but all of it – the team environment, the fans, the sponsors and the community work that we get to do as well," Alexander said. 

“It’s all just great and so enjoyable”.

Burton missed just one game last season and that was owing to an Australian under-19 training camp. She averaged 27.5 minutes with Rush for close to seven points and five rebounds a game.

Burton is in her second season with the Boomers, in which she has played her first WNBL minutes.

Basketball Ballarat elite teams administrator Melissa Thomas said Rush was delighted to have Alexander and Burton back.

“Sophie and Kasey have continued to develop through our program.

“It’s great that our first four Rush signings are all homegrowns who demonstrate the pathway available for all players to go from the Ballarat representative program to SEABL.

Burton said she was looking forward to player under Flint.

“We’ve had some sessions which are good and helping us get used to Dave’s style of play.” 

Alexander was equally excited.  “It’s definitely going to be different with Dave but we still have Gov (assistant coach Darren Govan) around which keeps some familiarity.”

Thomas said the Miners and Rush team committees were working hard to finalise the squads.

“I would expect that the bulk of the squads will be finalised before Christmas.” 

The Miners’ major player announcements have been the retention of United States import Roy Booker, Chris Smith and New Zealander Dyson King-Hawea.