Fire sign rising stars

The JCU Townsville Fire have named Haylee Andrews and Miela Goodchild as their development players ahead of the 2017/18 WNBL season. A graduate of the Fire’s Queensland Country Health Fund Academy, Andrews, 17, returns for a second WNBL season after impressing last year. Meanwhile, Goodchild, who captured gold for Australia at the most recent Under-17 World Championships, has been handed her first WNBL opportunity and is widely regarded as one of Queensland’s most impressive young players. Brassard will work with the Logan-based shooting guard over the next fortnight as part of the Australian team contesting the Under-17 Oceania Championships in Guam. “We’re excited to have both Haylee and Miela as part of our program,” Brassard said. “I’ve followed Haylee’s progress since she was young – both as a coach and as a fan – and she continues to make good strides in her basketball development. “We hope to see continued improvement this summer and she’s doing everything she can to make that happen. “We’re also extremely excited to have Miela joining us as an exciting Queensland junior. “She’s a versatile guard – with a great shot – and will no doubt benefit training and playing alongside some of the best players in the world.” https://twitter.com/TownsvilleFire/status/880729471707340800 Andrews featured in a handful of games for the Fire during her debut WNBL campaign and has been impressive for the Townsville Flames during the current Queensland Basketball League season. Starting for the Flames, Andrews is averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists and top-scored in last week’s win over Gold Coast with a season-high 20 points. Goodchild has been just as impressive for Logan, averaging 10.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists including a season-high 21 against Rockhampton at the weekend. The Fire has one remaining contract position for 2017/18 and are expected to make an announcement following the release of the WNBL draw. 2017/18 JCU Townsville Fire squad: Haylee Andrews (development player), Zitina Aokuso, Suzy Batkovic, Micaela Cocks, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Miela Goodchild (development player), Mia Murray, Marena Whittle, Sydney Wiese and Kelly Wilson.