Aokuso smashes pre-season testing

September 15, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Zitina Aokuso has made a big impression on the opening week of pre-season.

Having enjoyed a strong QBL campaign for Logan – Aokuso averaged 17.7 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Thunder – the 19-year-old has returned to Townsville in great shape and duly set the standard this morning.

With the Fire attempting to win their fourth Chemist Warehouse WNBL title in five seasons, Stephen Bird and Brent Goriss cast an analytical eye over the club’s squad, with the highly-regarded strength and conditioning pair putting them through their paces.

In total, Aokuso won the club’s 20 metre sprint, shuttle run and vertical leap, with three-time championship winner Micaela Cocks tying in the latter category.

Cocks also retained her yo-yo title as she set a new personal best in the gruelling format, with new recruit Casey Samuels and Opals forward Darcee Garbin rounding out the top-three.

Across the board, the Fire’s returning players saw marked improvement from their 2017/18 pre-season results including Laurin Mincy.

The WNBA draftee saw a big uptick in a number of testing results following a strong off-season in New Jersey.

“The squad looks in great shape,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.

“I think our returning players knew how hard last year’s pre-season campaign was and have returned in better condition, while the new players have come in and have immediately made an impact.

“We pride ourselves on our conditioning so today’s results are pleasing.”

The Fire officially continue pre-season on Monday, with the reigning WNBL champions poised to unveil their championship banner at Townsville Stadium on Sunday, October 14.

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