Batkovic on cloud nine

JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has won selection in her ninth WNBL Team of the Week. With the Fire’s title defence commencing in earnest on Saturday night, the four-time league MVP remains the competition’s most dominant force, collecting 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks against the UC Capitals at the weekend. https://twitter.com/WNBL/status/833892771412848640 Over the course of the regular season, Batkovic averaged 21.3 points and 10.6 rebounds – second in both categories – to be the only player to average more than 20 and 10. Despite the latest accolade, the Fire skipper will be intent on ensuring her team contests a fifth straight WNBL Grand Final while keeping their hopes of a three-peat alive. Only two clubs in the history of the WNBL have secured a three-peat – Nunawading and Adelaide – with the Lightning doing so a generation ago. The WNBL finals commence on Saturday night with the Sydney Uni Flames hosting the Fire in a best-of-three series, while Dandenong will do likewise against Perth. The Fire will host game two of the semi-final series at Townsville Stadium on Friday, March 3. https://twitter.com/TownsvilleFire/status/833445116341653506 Joining Batkovic in the WNBL Team of the Week was Capitals centre Mariana Tolo, Lightning forward Colleen Panetta, Rangers guard Natalie Novosel and Bendigo forward Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe. Click here for further information about the Fire's home semi-final at Townsville Stadium.