SKILFUL SHYLA LIGHTS THE FIRE
FROM last place to a WNBL finals berth in one season – the Townsville Fire’s remarkable turnaround is on the cusp of becoming reality thanks largely to the daughter of an Australian basketball legend.
The Fire struggled last season – recording just five wins to finish on the bottom of the table out of eight teams.
Flash forward a year and Townsville has recaptured its spark, inspired by key recruit, rising guard Shyla Heal, the daughter of Boomers great Shane Heal.
Shyla has been scintillating for Townsville in her maiden season at the club, scoring an impressive 181 points in her first 11 games.
Throw in 37 assists, 13 steals and 50 rebounds and it’s clear to see why Opals coach Sandy Brondello is keeping a close eye on the gifted guard for a 2021 Olympic and 2022 World Cup call-up.
Heal was looking to round out the regular season in style on Friday night when the Fire took on Adelaide in Cairns.
CANBERRA Capitals centre Marianna Tolo is relishing an opportunity to go shoulder to shoulder with Opals teammate Liz Cambage in Townsville on Sunday.
Cambage’s front-court presence has been undeniable for the Southside Flyers but Tolo said she would not take a backward step in the biggest game of the season.
The sides are locked in a battle for the top of the WNBL ladder, while the Capitals will also be wary of slipping to third spot and missing out on a second chance advantage in the WNBL semi-finals.
“I think for myself the challenge will be guarding Liz,” Tolo said. “She has had a great season so far.
“It has been a while since I have played Liz in this league. It’s great to have that challenge to be that undersized big for once is great.”