Spirit one win away from Championship glory
Game 1 of the 2024-25 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Grand Final series saw Bendigo Spirit come away with the win over Townsville Fire, 70-60. Fire started strong and dominated the majority of the game, but Spirit fought back, stepping up to show why they dominated the regular season to finish atop othe ladder.
After a 2-0 semi-finals series win for both sides, it was set to be a fierce battle at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena, to see who would be going into the second game with the upper hand.
The first quarter saw the Fire nail their first shots with Lauren Cox driving hard into the key and stopping Bendigo’s Sami Whitcomb – this year’s WNBL MVP – from making a basket in the early minutes.
The first three-pointer was made by Bendigo’s fan favourite, Veronica Burton, who put the Spirit up by one point. Fire’s ruthless defensive kept the Spirit from scoring for three straight minutes, after two defensive rebounds and a steal by Courtney Woods and Abbey Ellis respectively (the later of whom was named the WNBL’s Breakout Player of the Year).
Burton scored another three-pointer putting the Spirit up once again, until Cox matched it with a three-pointer of her own, followed by another three from Ellis, putting the Fire four points up.
Townsville’s brutal defence proved a challenge for Bendigo as the score at quarter time saw Bendigo down, 16-23.
Going into the second quarter six points up, young gun Saffron Shiels started on, immediately having an impact by gaining an assist to Cox, taking Fire’s score to 25. Shiels later on scored two of her own, by taking on Whitcomb at the basket.
Spirit’s shots were not dropping, making it an 11-point ball game halfway through the second, until Abbey Wehrung nailed a spinning drive into the key with two defenders on her with just over a minute to go. The score at half time was 28-33.
The third quarter saw Bendigo come out with a different mindset after the late first-half basket from Wehrung. Townsville were still firing and continuing to put a stop to Whitcomb, who was limited to only 12 points compared to her season average of 21.
Fire’s Alicia Froling gave up an offensive foul, giving Spirit the momentum they needed. With seven minutes to go in the third, Marianna Tolo received a pass from Whitcomb deep in the key to make it a one-point difference.
It was all Bendigo in the third, scoring 13 points compared to Townsville’s eight. A late foul on Whitcomb sent her to the free throw line, equalling the score 41 a piece heading into the last.
The final term saw Bendigo score a huge 29 points to Townsville’s 19. The Spirit’s Kelly Wilson hit an early three-pointer to take the lead, giving the home team – buoyed by a raucous crowd – the momentum they needed.
The first four minutes of the last saw a change of lead three times. Burton added another three-pointer to put the Spirit in front by four, until it was matched by Ellis’ own three-pointer. Scores were equal once again with six minutes to go but Bendigo were starting to control the game with Whitcomb and Burton continuing to make baskets.
Townsville kept fighting. with Woods and Ellis both drawing fouls to send them both to the line late in the quarter. Cox was still dominating in defence, making four blocks – the most for the game.
The last minute of the game saw both teams at five fouls apiece, sending Burton to the line for Bendigo’s last points. Woods’ made the final points of the game, taking her personal tally to 13. The final score was 70-60.
After a rough start for Bendigo, they were able to take control in the second half, taking the lead of this Grand Final series; 1-0. With an attendance of 2000+, the Spirit delivered at their home arena, making their fans proud.
A standout for Townsville was Ellis, who was the second highest scorer on the court, with 17 plus 6 rebounds. It was her first WNBL Grand Final and she proved to be a great asset to her team.
Teammate, Woods, said Ellis may be a rookie but she has great skills and showed up for her team during this game.
“Starting at point guard is a very nerve-wracking experience but she was great, and she’s been great for us all year.”
Townsville coach, Shannon Seebomb – fresh off being named WNBL Coach of the Year – said his side was prepared to level it up in Game 2 on their home turf.
“When we make the adjustments and find a bit more rhythm, then we will be a lot better in the next game.”
Burton stole the show in the second half. Entering the last quarter with 8 points to her name, she finished with 24 (along with 6 assists), making her the top scorer for the game. After a rough first half with shots not falling, she looked to her teammates, staff and fans to help change her mindset.
“Just the belief was a big factor, and staying poised, definitely just staying confident,” Burton said post-match.
Spirit head coach, Kennedy Kereama, talked about Burton’s incredible impact on the game at both ends of the court, and the talent she has as a point guard.
“Her exceptional ability to finish on the rim and create passes and create shots with her teammates, but also, she made some really big shots on the perimeter,” Kereama said.
Townsville Entertainment Centre will host Game 2 of the Grand Final’s series this Sunday, March 9, with tip-off at 3pm AEDT.
Words by Bridget Mudge