The JCU Fire has turned its attention to hosting Canberra in the opening round of the WNBL after a final pre-season hit out over the weekend. Townsville's tussle with a local men's team was as close to a competitive clash as you could get. The game was played at a high intensity with plenty of bodies banging. Shannon Seebohm was impressed with his side's approach to the scratch match and effort across four quarters.
"The boys were very athletic but I thought we did a great job adjusting to that and I saw some great signs defensively from us."
The coach wasn't surprised that the Fire were a little clunky offensively, with the new look roster still gelling and he anticipates it'll be a work in progress early throughout November.
"We didn't execute as well in offence as I would have liked us to, but I think once we get a better understanding of our system and how we need to play we're going to be looking pretty good."
Two marquee signings impressed him. Forward Mikaela Ruef reveled in the physical encounter while Import Karlie Samuelson showed some classy touches on both sides of the ball.
"Ruef did a great job got on the boards, made hustle plays and she knocked down a couple of jump shots as well which was nice to see. And Karlie brought some toughness to our defence and then nailed a couple of threes as well, so it was good to get that out of those 2."
Fellow import Tianna Hawkins had her first week at training in the lead up to the trial but the American didn't hit the court. She'll suit up on Sunday though. Tickets to the Capitals clash at the Fire Pit are available to purchase.
