Batkovic named WNBL Player of the Week
JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has been named the WNBL Player of the Week after two dominant performances against the UC Capitals and Melbourne Boomers.
In a history making weekend for the 36-year-old, Batkovic moved into second place on the WNBL’s all-time scorers’ list, overtaking Shelley Sandie (5204) in the third quarter of yesterday’s game against the Boomers.
Only Rachael Sporn (5823) stands between Batkovic (5216) and the scoring record, and should she extend her WNBL playing career into a 17th season next year, it appears a forgone formality that she will become the first player to record 6000 points.
Congratulations to @SuzyBatkovic who moves past Shelley Sandie into second place on the @WNBL’s all-time scorers’ list! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/3BWxJMPzAo
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) October 29, 2017
With the Fire dropping back-to-back games last week, Batkovic had a point to prove against the Capitals on Friday night, lifting the visitors to an 83-68 victory on the back of 27 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.
The five-time WNBL MVP was just as imposing against the Boomers, registering 26 points, six rebounds and five steals as the Fire secured a 64-57 win at Townsville Stadium.
“They were two fairly crucial games in the context of our season,” Batkovic said.
“We knew we could secure head-to-head against both teams – which we did – and we knew that our effort levels needed to bet better than what they were the week before.
“I didn’t know going into the game that I was that close to Shelley – she was an amazing player in the WNBL when I was growing up – so it’s nice to be among the likes of her and Rachael on that list.
“More importantly, we got two wins and now we need to get ourselves focused on Perth on Thursday and then back to face Adelaide in Townsville on Sunday.”
The Fire sit second on the WNBL ladder with a 4-2 record after their round four wins at the weekend.
Click here to pre-purchase tickets between the Fire and the Lightning.