Minor Premiers
The JCU Townsville Fire has finished on top of the WNBL ladder, for the first time since the 2015/16 season after beating Bendigo 89-64. Townsville extended its club record winning streak to 11 and secured the minor premiership with a game remaining, which will allow Coach Shannon Seebohm to breathe a little easier in Saturday’s Southside showdown.
“Yeah its awesome, you could tell from the very start of pre-season that we had something quite special. The girls have worked really hard all season and yeah really happy to finish on top of the table.”
He felt comfortable watching his team take down the Spirit. The visitors led by double digits at the main break before pulling further away with a 27 to 13 third quarter.
“We knew what was on the line, I’m happy we turned up with the right mindset, played with great intensity I thought it was one of our best defensive all year.”
Courtney Woods was instrumental making the most of her starting role, in the absence of Lauren Nicholson. The guard scored 16 points and had 3 assists. Tianna Hawkins scored a game high 19 points, doing most of her damage in the first half. While the import sat out the final few minutes of the contest, she doesn’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool against the Flyers, resting up for next week.
“We can’t take them lightly, we’ve got to go in there ready to compete and try and get that win.”
The JCU Townsville Fire will play Perth in their best of three semi final series. They’ll host the Lynx first up before travelling to the West, with the decider back at the Fire Pit, if required. Tickets to opening game go on sale to members on Monday and the general public on Tuesday. Hawkins has no doubt there’ll be an orange army overflowing at the venue.
“I love it, our home crowd has been amazing. Last week we broke a record for attendance, so we’re definitely going to need their energy.”
The American insists the JCU Townsville Fire isn’t content with just making the finals, after failing to do so last season.”
“Most definitely, we’re not satisfied, we’re chasing the championship!”