JCU TOWNSVILLE FIRE CROWNED WNBL CHAMPIONS

The JCU Townsville Fire has emerged victorious in the Cygnett WNBL 2022-23 Grand Final Series, sweeping the Jayco Southside Flyers in two games, 69-82.  

Led by the WNBL Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm, the Fire won their 16th consecutive game to secure the coveted Championship title at the State Basketball Centre this evening. 

Townsville got off to a solid start – led by the usual suspects in Tianna Hawkins and Steph Reid. Abby Bishop was on song for the Flyers, hitting 10 points before quarter time, but the Flyers still trailed the Fire by six points. 

Townsville were unable to build on their lead in the second term with Southside answering to every play. The Fire just holding on to their lead by two points going into the main break.  

It continued to be a great battle to watch in the third- Southside hitting the front for the first time with four minutes to go. Fire answered back- regaining a one-point lead with a few second left in the third. Bec Cole continued her brilliant Finals form, top scoring for Flyers 

It was anyone’s game heading into the fourth term- but Townsville turned up the heat! Reid, Hawkins and Mikaela Ruef were the best for the winning side as they stormed home to the Championship!  

Top performers:  

Rebecca Cole (Southside): 26pts, 2reb, 2ast, 1stl 

Steph Reid (Townsvlle): 20pts, 2reb, 4ast, 1stl 

Mikaela Ruef (Townsville): 12pts, 13reb, 4ast, 2stl  

Game assets:  

Box score 

Game images 

Video highlights