Fire power primed for Suzy’s absence
IMPORT Laurin Mincy insists the Townsville Fire hold no fears over Suzy Batkovic’s availability for tomorrow night’s clash with Adelaide, saying the defending WNBL champions have the confidence in each other to cover for the loss of their superstar captain.
Batkovic won’t train this week as she manages a pinched nerve in her neck, but she will be given until the last moment to prove her fitness before the Fire host the Lightning at Townsville Stadium.
The Fire have rarely had to suit up without the sixtime league MVP, but Mincy said every player was ready to fill the void should Batkovic be forced to watch from the bench.
“Last time she sat out ( training) she came back and crushed it so we’re just playing it by ear and we’re coming into practice every day and working hard,” Mincy said.
“Obviously Suzy is a big part of our team and depending on what happens there’s a lot of shots to be taken while she’s out, so everyone’s just going to have to hold their ground and step up.
“It’s just a slight adjustment. Everybody has been playing really well as of late.
“We’ve been playing cohesively and I think we can continue that as well.
“We’ve all been here before in a similar situation where we’ve had to step up and be that person for our team and I think if we stick together we’ll come out with a great result.”
Batkovic played just five minutes in last weekend’s 73- 67 road loss to Melbourne after her injury flared up, but the Fire’s other bigs took charge as they made a fourth- quarter run.
Coach Claudia Brassard said the Fire had recruited deep in every position this season and she backed the likes of Zitina Aokuso, Darcee Garbin, and Ally Malott to lift without Batkovic.
“I think if any of those bigs were on another team they would probably be getting more minutes, but there’s an opportunity there for them to step it up even more,” Brassard said.
The Fire have already clinched the series split over Adelaide, but the Lightning are riding the emotion of the club’s uncertain future beyond this season amid a financial shortfall.
The Chris Lucas- coached side claimed a winning double last weekend including a 91- 83 victory over third- placed Canberra and Brassard expected them to maintain that intensity in Townsville.
“That’s a typical Chris Lucas team. He gets them to bounce back and play hard,” she said.
Friday night’s game at Townsville Stadium tips off at 7pm.
Last time she ( Batkovic) sat out ( training) she came back and crushed it so we’re just playing it by ear LAURIN MINCY