This week, in the WNBL, two Atlanta Dream players found themselves on opposite sides of a rematch of last year’s Finals between the Southside Flyers and the Perth Lynx. Naz Hillmon and Laeticia Amihere are both key players for their teams and are showing that the Dream’s future looks bright.
Naz Hillmon’s Progress and Performance
Naz Hillmon, coming off a successful WNBA season, is now playing in Australia after her previous team, the Melbourne Boomers, disbanded. She joined the Southside Flyers, the reigning champions, under a new coach and roster. Last season, she was named to the All-WNBL Second Team with averages of 15.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
In the current season, the Flyers had a slow start, but Hillmon has been outstanding. In the six games played, she has shot below 53 percent only once and scored below 17 points just once. She is averaging 19.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, proving to be a standout player for the Flyers. Despite their loss to the Lynx in a rematch of last year’s Finals, Hillmon’s performance was impressive.
Laeticia Amihere’s Impact
The Lynx’s victory was partly due to Laeticia Amihere’s contribution of 14 points and four rebounds. The Canadian forward, who has yet to start in the WNBA, signed with the Lynx after her second year in the league and has been excelling in a starting role. In her first seven games in Australia, all as a starter, she is averaging 16.9 points per game on 58 percent shooting and 4.6 rebounds.
When asked about her impact on the games, Amihere mentioned:
I think my team is great at having my back and our defense is one that we have each other’s back in every situation. I would just say looking up at the scoreboard and knowing my team needs me to be more aggressive is all the motivation I need to turn things up a little.
Current League Standings
1. Bendigo Spirit (7-0)
2. Perth Lynx (6-1)
3. Townsville Fire (4-2)
4. Sydney Flames (2-4)
5. Southside Flyers (2-4)
6. Geelong United (2-4)
7. Canberra Capitals (2-5)
8. Adelaide Lightning (1-5)
