MITCHELL AND TAYLOR SELECTED IN THE 2016/2017 WNBL ALL-STAR 5

As a result of consistently outstanding performances this season, Australian Opals point guard Leilani Mitchell and American Import Asia Taylor have been selected in the 2016/2017 WNBL All-Star 5. Joining WNBL Coach of the Year, Cheryl Chambers in recognition from the League this season, Leilani and Asia have been integral members of the minor premiership winning Brydens Sydney Uni Flames. Joining Leilani and Asia are Perth Lynx shooting Guard, Sami Whitcomb, Canberra Capitals power forward, Mariana Tolo and Townsville Fire Centre, Suzy Batkovic, rounding out a very high calibre All-Star 5. Building on a stellar 2015/2016 season, Leilani Mitchell has earned her spot as starting point guard in the WNBL All Star 5 for the second year in a row. As league leader with most minutes played, Leilani is a true court general and is at the helm of the Flames powerful offence. Her composure, especially in close games is a great asset, and highlights the multitude of ways she leads this successful Flames team. Also leading the assists category, Mitchell averages 6.1 assists per game with an impressive 2:1 assist to turnover ratio. Averaging 16.1 points (7th in the league), 1.7 steals (2nd) and 3.9 rebounds per game, Leilani continues to prove what a quality player she is. On her recent selection and hopes for the business end of the season Leilani said, "It's always a great achievement to be selected in the All-Star 5. In not only a team, but a league, full of talented players it really is an honour. To have 2 of the 5 selected from the Sydney Uni Flames speaks volumes for how successful our team has been this season and we hope to continue the great play through the grand finals!" In her first year in the WNBL, Asia Taylor has brought so much energy and enthusiasm to her team on both ends of the floor. Leading the Flames in scoring, Asia is 6^th in the league, averaging 16.5 points, along with 8 rebounds (6th in the league) and 2.7 assists per game. Shooting 46% from the field, Taylor has starred for the Flames this season producing consistently impressive performances week after week. Her ability to blow past her defender and finish under pressure, combined with her efficient pull up jumper, make her an offensive powerhouse. Taylor was humbled by her recent selection and has thoroughly enjoyed her first stint in the WNBL saying, “This has been an amazing season and I’m honoured to be picked in the All-star 5, but the friendships I've made mean so much more than any individual accolade! I've had a blast this season and God deserves all the credit for my success and putting me in such a great situation!” Focused on the ultimate goal, Taylor is “excited to finish out the journey to win a Championship for the city and all our loyal Flames fans!” Leilani and Asia will look to lead the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames in the Grand Final series, against the Dandenong Rangers, at Brydens Stadium on Saturday 11th March at 7pm. Tickets for Game 1 can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/2mV3nZC