FIRE’S FINALS SPOT CONFIRMED

January 24, 2025 | Townsville Fire news

We’ve not yet hit February but finals fever has already hit Townsville with the Fire confirming its WNBL post-season participation, by beating Sydney, in round 13’s opening game. For the second game running there was a birthday party to throw. This time for Abbey Ellis, after Saffron Sheils played on hers last Saturday. And there was plenty to celebrate in the first half with Townsville taking control of the contest early and building a bombproof lead by the main break. With a playoff position secured and a quick turn around in mind, the Fire eased up upon returning form the dressing rooms, however still secured a comfortable 89-75 victory.

 

A special shout out to the birthday girl who had 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 7 points. Shiels, Lauren Cox and Alex Fowler finished with 10 points. Nia Coffey contributed 16 while Courtney Woods went off again, dropping a team high 21 to go along with 7 assists and 6 boards. The co-captain was quick to credit Shanice Swain’s stunning 40 point haul for the Flames which will give Townsville something to ponder, particularly playing Perth,who’ll more than likely be the side’s semi final opponent.

 

“I think as we go into the back end and we play players like Amy Atwell and Shooters like that I think we can take a lesson from this.”

Woods who’s been a mainstay of the club is proud to guide a much-changed team to another top 4 finish, especially such a young roster.

“We just kind of want to play a particular way here and I think you’ve seen that through the years and I think this team in particular has done a really great job of buying into that, and that’s a credit to a lot of peoples character.”

 

Coach’s Comments

While Shannon Seebohm knows the Fire Pit will be packed for the finals he praised a terrific turnout of almost 2200 fans for a mid week game.

“We have such a great fan base and support whether its Wednesday night or Saturday night or whatever. People will come out and watch and I have no doubt that they’d be impressed with what we’ve done.”

While it was another big win, the coach concedes Sydney’s smalls showed a up a weakness which needs addressing.

“I think we just lost our way a bit and probably if you’re playing against us, the small ball has hurt us at times, and so we probably need to do a better job of our execution when teams do go small and still be able to play our style of basketball, whether they’re switching pick and rolls or dropping or trapping us or whatever it is they’re trying to do.”

 

Next up is Geelong on Saturday night, at the Fire Pit, where the hosts will be chasing a series sweep over the league newcomers.

Tip off is at 7pm. Tickets are still available