DREAM PERFECT PLACE TO CHASE OPALS Fire coup as Shyla heads for the North

SHE is one of the most exciting prospects in the WNBL and Shyla Heal is ready to advance her career in North Queensland.

The teenage point guard has been on the radar of many European clubs, but with a chance to flex her muscle under the guidance of Shannon Seebohm, she chose to sign a one-year deal with Townsville Fire.

The daughter of NBL legend Shane Heal, she will be the Fire’s first choice point guard next season with import Julie Vanloo unable to return due to the WNBL free agency restrictions.

Heal is one of the most exciting prospects in Australian basketball, having represented her country at the Junior World Championships in 2018. Seebohm was at the reins of that junior Opals outfit that finished with a bronze medal with Heal named in the Tournament All Star 5.

The exciting talent made her WNBL debut at 14 years old and has only improved, putting in a strong 2019/20 season for Bendigo Spirit where she averaged 12.1 points and 4.1 rebounds.

That included a 30-point performance, the first by an 18year-old in the WNBL since Australian great Lauren Jackson. Heal has ambitions of entering the 2021 WNBA Draft, as well joining the Australian Opals for their Tokyo Olympics campaign, and believes the Fire is the perfect place to continue her push.

“I am excited to be joining the Fire and continuing my career in Townsville,” Heal said.

“When speaking with Shannon about the role he wants me to play in really leading this team, I felt this was the best opportunity for my development.

“I want to help the Fire recapture its great successes while continuing to grow as a player and person, doing everything possible to put my best foot forward for the WNBA Draft and my dream of playing for the Opals.

“While there were some very interesting opportunities to consider, in the end I felt that the coaching expertise and development program in place in Townsville was the best thing for my career.”

Seebohm believes the teenager is the most talented young point guard in the country.

“I am very excited to welcome Shyla to the Fire,” he said. “Shyla is a perfect fit for the style of basketball we are looking to play in Townsville.”