Purcell makes an impact on return to NBL1

Our Flames were at the forefront of another hot weekend of action in NBL1.

In Queensland, our Flames forward Kalani Purcell returned to the NBL1 after playing in the FIBA 3×3 competition. Purcell played in two games for round 10 and during her first game against Townsville Flames, had seven points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 64 -77 loss. During game two on Saturday against the Gold Coast Rollers, the Spartans redeemed themselves and took the win, with Purcell scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

For the Northside Wizards, Tiana Mangakahia continued to heat things up for another round. Just like Purcell, Mangakahia played two games for this round. She delivered a great game and dropped 38 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against the Red City Roar. During her second she was accompanied by her Flames teammate Shyla Heal, who returned after a break. During game two against the Townsville Flames, Mangakahia scored 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Heal produced 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Moving into the South, Keely Froling continued her great form. Against the Dandenong Rangers. Froling produced a dominant game for her team the Launceston Tornadoes, scoring 25 points, 20 rebounds and five assists, leading their team to victory, 91- 65.

Kiera Rowe and her team the Knox Raiders secured another win this week, with her contribution of nine points, three rebounds and three assists.

Over in the West, Flames new guard, Emma Clarke performed an exciting game, scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, resulting in her highest rebounds in her NBL1 career this season.

The girls return to court for another round next week, with Kalani Purcell and the Southern District Spartans kicking things off on Friday, July 8. To see when our are playing next, head to NBL1’s website for fixtures and more information here.