Samuels stars on northern road trip

Casey Samuels has celebrated her signing with the JCU Townsville Fire by producing a star-studded performance to commence this week’s Winter Update.

Having been announced as the Fire’s eighth signing for the 2018/19 WNBL season on Friday, Samuels finished with a team-high 29 points and seven rebounds as North Gold Coast defeated Cairns 96-84 in the QBL.

A night earlier, Samuels recorded 11 points and five rebounds during the Seahawks’ 61-90 loss to Townsville.

Three-time championship winner Micaela Cocks was the best for the Flames for a successive week as she posted 20 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Haylee Andrews (19 points and four rebounds) and Miela Goodchild (16 points and five rebounds) were good contributors, while Darcee Garbin (seven points and eight rebounds) was well contained.

The only downside for the Flames was an injury to Goodchild.

The Logan Thunder returned to the winners’ list thanks to a game-high 21 points, six rebounds and 11 assists from Mikhaela Donnelly.

The championship winning point guard was simply brilliant for the Thunder, while Zitina Aokuso posted a double-double courtesy of 10 points and 15 rebounds.

In the SEABL competition, Tess Madgen continued her comeback from her knee injury with an improved showing for Dandenong.

While the Rangers were 76-100 at the hands of Bendigo – Kelly Wilson simply brilliant with 25 points, six rebounds and 12 assists – Madgen was able to finish with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists of her own.