LOOKING TO CATCH FIRE
Kiwi shores up ranks
KRYSTAL Leger-walker is ready to fire for Townsville in the upcoming WNBL season, and she thanked a local legend for helping bring her to the North Queensland club.
The 25-year-old guard recently underwent a two-month stint at the Northern Kahu in New Zealand playing alongside Townsville Fire life member Micaela Cocks.
Leger-walker said Cocks was instrumental in her signing for the Fire, as was Tall Ferns coach Guy Molloy.
“She (Cocks) definitely was a big reason why I chose to come here, she had great things to say about the place and the club, and everything that’s going on up here,” Leger-walker said. “(Molloy) also had a lot of great things to say about Shannon and this club.”
Leger-walker was nominated for Defensive Player of the Year in New Zealand’s elite domestic league, averaging 8.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
She said she hoped to emulate the effort and work ethic of Cocks.
After six winters in American college basketball, including with D1 side Washington State University, the experienced Kiwi will compete with Steph Reid for a spot in the starting team.
She is hopeful she can offer something different to Reid while working together to develop both of their games.
Fire coach Shannon Seebohm said Leger-walker had slotted into the team well and had been a fierce competitor in pre-season training.
“She’s really tough, she’s a great defender, and I had a great chance to watch her play a lot for the New Zealand national team, as well as when she was in college,” Seebohm said.
“She’s been doing a great job so far, and we’re excited to have her here.”
The Townsville Fire open their season against the UC Capitals on Sunday, November 6, at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre.