The 41st instalment of the WNBL, Australia's longest-running elite women's sporting competition, is underway and could well be the best yet with its all-Australian talent.
The 203cm centre took to the court on Thursday night in Townsville with her Australian Opals captain Jenna O'Hea and point guard Leilani Mitchell plus squad members Sara Blicavs and Bec Cole. The Flyers signalling their intentions with a 102-60 thrashing of Bendigo Spirit.Southside's depth has been further boosted with the additions of dual Olympian Rachel Jarry and Steph Blicavs, who has won gold and silver medals for the Opals.
With the Games delayed until next year, Cambage's Olympic preparation 2.0 launches with a WNBL campaign. She registered a double-double in her opening WNBL game and will have a big say in whether the Boomers can win just their second championship next month.Ezi Magbegor, 21, is playing for the Melbourne Boomers, fresh from winning a championship with Seattle Storm in the WNBA.
"She's got a future ahead of her and that to me is the most exciting part of the season — that we're going to see athletes who we might not have played as much or at all. We're creating a pathway into WNBL for them,'' Jackson said. Things are heating up in Townsville with Fire coach Shannon Seebohm piecing together an exciting young roster oozing Opals of the future.