It may be the end of the year but it’s the beginning of games that has been hurting the Fire in recent weeks,Townsville trailed the Spirit by as many as 20 points before producing a brave fight back. But the visitors couldn’t reel in the ladder leaders, going down 86-80. While the coach credited his players tenacity to drag themselves back in the contest, overseeing a succession of slow starts has Shannon Seebohm questioning what his tip off team should look like.
“There’s been a few games in a row now we’re I think we’ve been in a similar position down double digits. We now just need to start to make some adjustments in terms of how we’re starting the game and approaching the games.” Responsibilities
Co-captain Lauren Mansfield made the most of more court time. The veteran who up until battling Bendigo had played restricted minutes while dealing with a foot injury ignited her season. She finished with 3 assists and 7 rebounds togo along with 17 points 11 of which came in an inspired second half performance.It was a confidence boosting display but the guard couldn’t help but lament on what might have been had the Fire not taking so long to heat up.
“We definitely showed some heart coming back but yeah we’re just digging ourselves into a hole and it’s hard to come back, especially against great teams like Bendigo.
Mansfield’s backing a teammate at the opposite end of her career to blossom filling the shoes ofTownsville’s departed import. While Abbey Ellis has been solid so far, the rookie rose another level, when more responsibility was placed on her shoulders. She also scored 17 points, her best output in the WNBL to date.
“Yeah it’s really an opportunity for myself and Abbey to step up and Abbey’s definitely more than capable.”
Coach Seebohm echoed those thoughts.
“She’s really starting to learn day in and day out the work she needs to put in on her game and I think she’s getting better and better every week, and you know her pick and roll is starting to really improve as well so I’m excited to see what she’s going to do the rest of the season.”
Next up for the Fire’s is round 8 home games against the Flames and Capitals, on Wednesday and Saturday night respectively.
The double header at the Fire Pit kicks off 4 straight outings in Townsville before its back on the road to begin 2025.
