HUNGRY REID OUT TO GUIDE NEXT GEN

FLAMES point guard Stephanie Reid is bracing for an expanded role under coach Shannon Seebohm, not just on the court but off it as well.

A self-confessed pest once she hits the floor, the 24-yearold will be handed more minutes and responsibility than she had in Townsville Fire’s charge to the WNBL grand final last year, with her defensive demands set to increase dramatically.

It is a role that has been foreign to Reid in the past, and she foresees an adjustment period once her NBL1 North campaign begins against Mackay tonight.

However after a breakout season on the national stage, it’s clear Reid has become a key figure for an emerging crop of guards to aspire to.

“I think the biggest thing for young players coming through is having the confidence to do what they do best at that level,” Reid said. “A lot of kids come out of juniors and have always been top two in their team and they get to NBL1 and they take a step back. It’s just encouraging them to do what they do well and really shine on that stage.

“We have some really good juniors that have come through, we have Aliza Fabbro who was a development player for the Fire, Chaillee (Ward), Bree (Stephens) and Lauren (Andrews) – if they play confidently they can really contribute in this team.

“I think from a point guard perspective you always have to run the team, that’s your job and knowing I’m going to start in that position I have to lead the team in a sense.”

The Flames will get a major test straight out of the gates, with the Cayla George-led Meteorettes heading north.

Size is perhaps the Flames’ greatest downfall, but coach Seebohm has proved he has a style to overcome that.

For Reid, it will be a matter of keeping the likes of George out of the key and making them earn every basket.

“I don’t know necessarily if you can stop Cayla George from scoring, but if you can score more at the other end that’s a pretty good answer.”