Duo ignites for Flames
THE Townsville Flames have thumped the Cairns Dolphins by 29 points to remain at the top of the women’s Queensland Basketball League ladder.
The Flames outclassed the Dolphins 100-71 as the energetic unit led from start to finish in the North Queensland QBL clash in Cairns on Friday night.
New Zealand star Micaela Cocks proved devastating on both ends of the floor for the Flames, running circles around the Dolphins — on her way to 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Flames’ coach Mike St-Maurice said Cocks combined well with 18year-old rising star Haylee Andrews (22 points).
In the men’s QBL game, the Townsville Heat beat Cairns 87-74 to make it three wins on the trot.
Hunt for turf club CEO
TOWNSVILLE Turf Club will advertise nationally for a new CEO after the decision by Cassandra Cazzulino to resign.
In the meantime, Cazzulino will continue to contribute to the success of the club and the coming Winter Racing Carnival.
TTC President Malcolm Petrofski thanked Cazzulino for her efforts during what has been a transformational period.
“Cassandra has helped lift the profile of the Townsville Turf Club with all stakeholders in the region, particularly with sponsor engagement and marketing,” he said. “We wish her the best with her next challenge and we are grateful that she is staying on into August to assist with the Carnival and to help with the induction of the new CEO.”
Celtics’ chances lift
THE Boston Celtics and Aron Baynes’ chances of advancing to the NBA Finals series have improved, with Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star forward Kevin Love ruled out of the eastern conference finals decider.
Australian centre Baynes’ Celtics will host LeBron James’ Cavaliers in game 7 this morning with a mountain of pressure falling on James’ broad shoulders once again after the Cavs conceded Love was unavailable.
It took a phenomenal 46-point game from James to secure a 109-99 win and tie up the series at 3-3 after Love was injured in a head clash with Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum, forcing him out during the first quarter of game 6.
The Celtics said Love, who has a history of concussions, had been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol.