NSW junior McSpadden brings up century milestone
For the third straight game, the Sydney Flames will celebrate a massive milestone of one of its stars.
After acknowledging Tess Madgen and Lauren Nicholson in recent games, Saturday will see NSW junior Lara McSpadden raise the bat and play her 100th game in the WNBL.
“Having played 100 games in the WNBL is a huge privilege,” McSpadden said.
“There are tonnes of females who don’t get the opportunity to be a part of a WNBL team let alone step on the court, so for that reason, I feel super lucky to have reached 100 games.”
McSpadden started her career at Newcastle, making her way through the junior representative teams – including being selected for NSW Country on numerous occasions.
This led to her making her international debut at the 2015 FIBA Oceania Under 16 Women’s Championship in New Zealand with the Under 17s Sapphires – where she helped them qualify for the world championship the following year.
At the world championship, the Sapphires, featuring McSpadden, won their inaugural title in Spain – snapping team USA’s 28-game win streak at under 17s level.
Following this, McSpadden signed with the Sydney Flames – the first of four seasons with the club (which included a championship in WNBL17).
Three years with Townsville followed, in which she and fellow Flame Lauren Nicholson, steered the Fire to a title in WNBL23 before McSpadden announced she would be re-joining her hometown team for the 2023-24 campaign.
“It’s so special to be back at Sydney, my home club for my 100th game,” the 24-year-old said.
“To think this is where I started, it’s pretty cool to be playing my 100th milestone game here.”
Although her hoops journey is still in its infancy, McSpadden knows how important her inner circle has been to getting her to this point.
“I owe a lot to my family for all the sacrifices they have and continue to make for me to live this lifestyle,” said the centre, who has amassed 297 points, 220 rebounds and 39 blocks in her career to date.
“To play my 100th game with them watching means the world.”
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McSpadden’s 100th game coincidentally will come against her former side Townsville, when the Hoops Capital side hosts the Fire from 5.45pm on Saturday at Quaycentre – where Guy Molloy’s side will look to return to the winner’s circle after their defeat in Perth.
“Having played for Townsville before I know they’re an extremely well-drilled team,” said Flame #171.
“We’re going to have to move the ball well and put them in consecutive rotations while executing defensive coverages well on the other end.”
Tickets for the round seven showdown, which will see numerous Flames alumni in the house on Saturday, are still available here.