Lilly fills void as Shyla Heal heals knee injury

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• Hayley Wildes lists her five observations from the first day of the Townsville Tip Off

It was another action-packed day of basketball at the WNBL Townsville Tip Off. With three games played on day two, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the third and final day tipping off today.

1. Lilly Rotunno is ready to help fill the Shyla Heal void until she returns from injury

The Geelong Venom made some big moves over the offseason, and signing Shyla Heal is at the top of that list. She is going to help Geelong build towards a team that is a threat on any given night.

Unfortunately, she injured her knee during the NBL1 East season and will miss the start of the season. With that in mind, Lilly Rotunno started for the Venom yesterday as she they beat the Capitals, 75-66, and she took on that starting role seamlessly.

Rotunno was getting her teammates involved, setting the offence with purpose and while she wasn’t looking for her shot often, she was efficient (2-from-33 FG and 1-from-1 3PTFG) and finished with nine points and six assists, and most impressively, just one turnover.

Rotunno has earned this opportunity, after playing a key role in Geelong United’s unbeaten run to the NBL1 South decider, where they fell to the Knox Raiders. Having played with many of her Venom teammates in that United squad, Rotunno is extremely familiar with how the likes of Jaz Shelley and Gemma Potter operate, and that will only help them all this WNBL season.

2. Kadi Sissoko is a smooth operator

Although the Capitals fell to the Venom, the first half, and especially the first quarter was a positive for Canberra. French import Kadi Sissoko was dazzling in her first stint as a starter, with the Capitals jumping out to a 17-8 lead after five minutes of play.

A lot of that had to do with Sissoko, who showcased the type of moves that I’m sure are going to make her a fan favourite in Canberra. Three possessions in a row in the opening minutes of the game saw Sissoko score the basketball in different ways with her first attempt and make being a beautiful fadeaway over the defence, followed by a smooth jump shot on the next possession, then she got the ball at the high post and went to work against Gemma Potter, combining a spin move with excellent footwork to rise up and score again.

She hit 5-from-6 shots in the first quarter for 11 points, but from there, frustratingly, she didn’t attempt another shot for the rest of the game. Clearly, she needed to stay more involved in the offence, because her athleticism and length is a real point of difference for the Capitals.

3. Good luck to the rest of the league

It’s only preseason but it’s fair to say the Townsville Fire are championship favourites. They have put together a team filled with Opal squad members, and two imports who are going to have a huge influence on the league.

Yesterday against the Flames, the Fire opened with a starting line-up of Miela Sowah, Abbey Ellis, Courtney Woods, Alex Fowler and Alicia Froling. That is a five-woman unit that most teams across the league would struggle to handle. But there’s more coming because Townsville will add the reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in Lauren Cox and Washington Mystic Lucy Olsen to the line-up after both sat during yesterday’s contest.

It’s going to be interesting to see how coach Shannon Seebohm shares the minutes around and keeps everyone involved, but if there is one coach who can figure that out it is Seebohm. He’s consistently recruiting good players and they then turn into great players while playing for him - everyone that plays for Seebohm is a better version of themselves the next year.

Townsville fans should be very excited for the season ahead.

4. Indiah Bowyer deserves a WNBL roster spot

The Southside Melbourne Flyers had three train on players in their squad in Townsville; Indiah Bowyer, Nya Lok and Lucy Cochrane. You’d think one of those three would find themselves on the roster going into the regular season.

For mine, Indiah Bowyer has earned that opportunity. Playing for Canberra last season, Bowyer put together an encouraging season, playing 21 minutes per game and averaging 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Then in the NBL1 South, Bowyer took on extra responsibility for the Melbourne Tigers and really flourished, especially when the team was shorthanded with Sara Blicavs and Izzy Borlase on Opals duties.

In the final seven games of the season, Bowyer averaged 19.6 points per game, highlighted a 32-point, 5-rebound and 4-assist outing against Waverley in the final game of the season.

At the Townsville Tip Off, Bowyer was electric in Southside’s win over Perth on day one, scoring 14 points on 4-from-66 shooting from deep. She looked like she belonged, and her shot was confident. Against Adelaide yesterday, she shot 1-from-2 from deep to finish with 5 points and 3 rebounds.

She’s the type of player that could have an impact for Southside Melbourne. On any given night during the season if things aren’t rolling offensively – I’ve got to say the Flyers ball movement has been the most impressive throughout the tournament – Bowyer could check in and hit a shot that could change momentum.

5. Wait and see with Sydney and Adelaide

Sydney lost by 21 points to Townsville, 96-75, and Adelaide lost by 19 points to Southside Melbourne, 67-48. Clearly, they wouldn’t be happy with those performances, but both were missing key players that will provide a boost to their respective squads.

Sydney is without import guard Grace Berger, while Adelaide is yet to add Opals star Steph Talbot and import forward Sania Feagin to their line-up. Undoubtedly, a lot of responsibility is going to be placed on their shoulders.

The Flames had some positive moments against the Fire, highlighted by the return of Lauren Nicholson as she scored 16 points, but the other two starting guards in Shaneice Swain and Mikhaela Cann combined for just 10 points and 8 turnovers. Berger will add some shooting firepower, and it will be needed in this Sydney team.

Adelaide was outclassed by Southside Melbourne, scoring just 17 points in the first half, and only Sharne Robati scored in double figures with 11 points. Clearly, they need reinforcements, and two players will provide exactly that.

We all know what Talbot brings to the table; she is a former WNBL MVP and WNBL Defensive Player of the Year who is going to give her all to the cause. Feagin is an unknown quantity in this league, but if you’ve watched her through a successful college career that resulted in two National Championships, you’ll know what she’s capable of.

Her athleticism will translate well into the WNBL and she’s a savvy defender. It will be interesting to see how much offensive production the Lightning get out of her, but I’m looking forward to seeing her game develop throughout the season.

About the Author

Hayley Wildes is in Townsville for the Tip-Off. She is passionate about all things Australian women’s basketball and loves to highlight the stories of players from all levels and competitions across the globe. From our own backyard in the WNBL, to the WNBA and the Opals, and everything in between, Hayley has you covered.