Batkovic’s all Fired up
TOWNSVILLE Fire captain Suzy Batkovic jokes she might have to take it easy at training more often after defying a back injury to be named the WNBL’s Player of the Week.
Batkovic showed just why she has claimed five of the past six MVP awards as the Fire got their season back on track with wins over Canberra ( 83- 68) and Melbourne ( 64- 57).
The star centre was unstoppable as she posted 27 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, and four assists in Canberra on Friday night before backing up with 26 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two assists against the Boomers on Sunday afternoon.
It was a history- making weekend for the 36- year- old as she moved into second place on the WNBL’s all- time scorers list, overtaking Shelley Sandie ( 5204) in Sunday’s win over Melbourne.
Only Rachael Sporn ( 5823) stands between Batkovic ( 5216) and the scoring record, and she’ll have every chance to become the first player to reach 6000 points if she plays on next season.
Batkovic almost didn’t travel to Canberra as she struggled with a back complaint which kept her off the training court, but the tenacious competitor insisted she was never going to sit out.
“I was getting cranky. I was like, ‘ I’m coming on the road, I’ll be fine. I haven’t missed a game’,” Batkovic said. “I had a pretty light week last week – I don’t think I got on the floor the day before travel – but it settled down a lot.
“That’s old age, I guess, but I just find a way. I’ve always been like that.
“I’ve got coaches that understand there’s times where something might flare up that’s an old injury and I’ve just got to try to let it settle down.”
Batkovic said she was just happy for the Fire to grab two series- clinching wins, but it’s hard not to be impressed with her individual performance, particularly against Boomers star Liz Cambage.
Cambage was restricted to just two points and one assist for the first three quarters of the game as Batkovic led a lockdown defensive effort on the towering 204cm centre.
It was a strong response from Batkovic after the Fire’s opening round win over Melbourne when she managed just 23 minutes after finding herself in early foul trouble.
Coach Claudia Brassard said the Fire could always count on their ageless warrior to lead by example at both ends of the floor.
“She’s always been tough throughout her whole career, there’s no doubt there. That’s something we can always bank on,” Brassard said.
“She did a phenomenal job ( defending Cambage). I think she frustrated her ... and she adjusted from game one when she was picking up those fouls.
“That’s the type of player Suzy is. She’s very experienced and she did a good job of keeping her out and forcing her to make some tough shots.”
Batkovic had strong support across the weekend as Laurin Mincy, Darcee Garbin, and Kelly Wilson all played their best games of the season.
“I am a competitor and I’m obviously an offensive threat, but when other people are contributing it makes life easier,” Batkovic said.