Youngsters hit the court against Fire
THE Townsville Fire took a break from the grind of preseason training this week to mentor the next generation of Townsville basketball talents with their school holiday camp.
The excited youngsters had the chance to share the court alongside WNBL stars like Mia Murray and Kelly Wilson for some games and skill sessions at Townsville Stadium. Fire assistant coach Rachael McCully said it was a nice change of pace for the players as they got to share their basketball knowledge with the kids.
“It’s a great way to get out in the community and get some kids learning basketball skills,” McCully said.
“There’s a heap of kids from TBI and they all play club basketball. Some kids are very talented and want to learn a few extra skills and take that back on the court with them.
“As a junior coming up, you want to be able to mingle and get that one- on- one contact with your favourite players. I’m sure they’ll get plenty of signatures and photos at the end.”
The Fire will be all business this weekend as they prepare for two crucial preseason clashes with the Perth Lynx in the Burdekin.
The Fire will need to lift their intensity for their only preseason hit- outs against WNBL opposition and new recruits such as Laurin Mincy and Mikhaela Donnelly have been leading the charge.
Donnelly had 10 assists as the Fire beat the Townsville Heat Academy last week and McCully said she was creating some healthy competition for Kelly Wilson in the point guard role.
“She’s really impressed with the way she puts the ball to the floor and creates for her team mates,” McCully said.
“I think at times she needs to be a little bit more selfish, but she’ll get that as she learns how to play with Suzy ( Batkovic) and the other bigs.
“So far she’s been fantastic being able to run the team and give us that composure when it can get a bit frantic and out of control which is definitely what we need.
“Between her and Kelly, I’m really liking how we’re looking in that point guard.”
The Fire are also eagerly awaiting the return of star centre Cayla George after the Phoenix Mercury were knocked out of the WNBA semi- finals by the LA Sparks.
George has been restricted to only brief cameos off the bench during the playoffs and McCully expected the dual WNBL championship winner to make her presence felt for the Fire.
“We’re obviously disappointed for her to be knocked out of the WNBA Finals, but I’m sure she’ll be excited to get back and actually get back on the floor,” McCully said.
“She’s probably a little bit frustrated with the time that she’s been getting in the WNBA, but hopefully she can bring another aspect to our game.”