Wilson to return against Lightning

JCU Townsville Fire point guard Kelly Wilson will return to the floor on Thursday night after being cleared to play against the Adelaide Lightning.

Having fractured her thumb against Dandenong last week, initial fears were that Wilson would miss the remainder of the regular season – and potentially finals – through injury.

However, after seeing a North Queensland specialist, the two-time WNBL championship winner has been given the green light to return to the court and will take her place against the Lightning.

“We’ve got good news,” Fire assistant Mark Wrobel told the media this morning.

“She went and saw the specialist and fortunately it doesn’t require surgery, so she’ll be back on court Thursday night.

“Probably some special strapping and stuff like that to make sure she is good to go, but she’ll definitely be playing on Thursday.”

Since returning to the Fire last season, the 32-year-old has endured a torrid time with injuries, carrying a shoulder complaint into the 2016/17 season before fracturing her leg.

Wilson also fractured her thumb playing for Bendigo in the off-season.

Despite her woes, Wilson has re-captured some of her best form this year, with her 5.23 assists per game good enough for second in the WNBL.

In her absence, Mikhaela Donnelly made a play for the starting point guard role at the weekend, finishing with six points, five rebounds and seven assists in a stunning performance.

“We all saw what Mikhaela Donnelly did with her opportunity on Saturday,” Wrobel said.

“And that’s happened all season – girls have come in off the bench and given us punch – and just doesn’t give any let-up for opposition teams.”

With the Fire sitting one game clear of Adelaide in second place, they will be desperate to clean sweep Chris Lucas and the Lightning on Thursday night before travelling to Bendigo to face the Spirit on Saturday.

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