Evanthia Maltsi and Lindsay Whalen came up big in the play-offs to help ZVVZ USK Prague bring a halt to the dominance of Gambrinus Sika Brno.

Now the duo have penned new deals that will see them help Prague defend their domestic title next season and challenge for honors in Europe.

Greek international Maltsi and American Whalen, both EuroLeague Women All-Stars in 2009, have signed new one-year contracts.

No one is happier than coach Lubor Blazek, whose team finally stepped out of the giant shadow cast by long-time Czech powerhouse Gambrinus.

"Of course I welcome the fact that Evanthia will play with us more," Blazek said.

"She's a player who fits into our game. I believe that next season she will help the team as this year."

"I enjoyed my season there and everything and that's why I decided to sign with the team again for next year," Maltsi  said to Basketball World News.

After Gambrinus stormed to victory in the first Games 1 and 2 of the ZBL Finals, Whalen had 28 points and Maltsi 18 in Prague's Game 3 triumph.

Maltsi poured in 29 - including a buzzer-beating three-ball - to clinch a 86-83 victory in Game 4 and then in the 78-71 Game 5 win for Prague, she led all scorers with 21 points.

The Greek will lead her national team in action at this summer's EuroBasket in Latvia.

One of her international teammates, Styliani Kaltsidou, is to join one of Maltsi's old clubs after agreeing to terms with French giants and EuroLeague Women outfit Bourges.

Kaltsidou was a scoring machine for Ravenna Esperides Kalithea of Greece in eight EuroCup Women games this year, averaging 19 points. She made 35 of 65 (53.8%) inside the arc and was impressive from long range as well, burying 20 of 46 (43.5%).

At the line, the 1.88m forward also drilled 22 of her 26 (84.6%) attempts.

Bourges are currently playing in the French post-season.