THE WRAP- ROUND 16
That’s a wrap on the 2022/23 Cygnett WNBL regular season! What a way to end such a mammoth season- Round 16 did not disappoint.
TOWNSVILLE CONSOLIDATE TOP SPOT
In a high-stakes Wednesday night WNBL battle, Townsville delivered an unbeatable performance to consolidate top spot and end Bendigo’s hopes of a top four finish at Red Energy Arena. It was a signature performance from Tianna Hawkins, top scoring for the night with 19 points. While Mikaela Ruef dominated on the boards, finishing with 15 rebounds.
Anneli Maley finished her season strong for the Spirit, knocking down 14 points.
This was the Fire’s 11th straight win and locked in the Minor Premiership.
PERTH HOLD OFF A GUTSY LIGHTNING
Adelaide fought hard to upset the Lynx in what was their last game of the season. The Lynx came out of the blocks firing beyond the arc, as they have all season, and quickly got away to a 22-point lead at the half. Led by Chloe Bibby and Sami Whitcomb on the scoreboard they looked to have the win easily.
The Lightning weren’t going to let the Lynx get away with an easy win and went on a 16-0 run in the final quarter thanks to Lauren Mansfield, Marena Whittle, and Jacinta Monroe, cutting the Lynx’s lead to just five. But time wasn’t on their side and Perth came away with the victory on the road.
LYNX BUILD MOMENTUM FOR FINALS WITH ANOTHER WIN
Perth backed up their win over Adelaide with a second win on the road for the round. The Lynx kept their momentum rolling with a Finals-ready performance led by Captain, Sami Whitcomb.
Shaneice Swain scored a career-high 33 points for the Capitals in a stellar performance, dropping eight threes from deep!
Despite UC Capital’s best efforts to stop them, Perth gave an all-round performance, with every player scoring considerable points. Whitcomb was the standout for Perth, finishing with 22 points, six assists and six rebounds.
FIRE CONTINUE THEIR REIGN
In their last regular season game, Townsville showed Southside why they’re number one, showing no mercy as they stormed home to their 12th victory in a row.
The Fire showed no signs of slowing down as they kept a comfortable lead throughout the game and outplayed the Flyers with their chemistry and teamwork. The standouts for the game were the entire starting five who all scored above twelve points each.
BOOMERS ROUND OUT THEIR SEASON WITH A WIN
In the last game for the regular season, Melbourne finished on a high note. Led by team captain and newly crowned League MVP, Cayla George – the Boomers kept their cool in the Melbourne heat to beat the Flames by a staggering 40 points. The home side led the game at every break, impressing the more than 3,000 attendees at the Boom Box.
The Boomers’ Tiffany Mitchell topped the scoreboard once again with 24 points to her name, followed by the Flames’ Keely Froling who racked up 21 points. Penina Davidson scored another 15 points for the Boomers to round out the top three highest scorers of the game.
Bring on the Finals!
IMPORTANT STUFF