Bendigo Spirit player Nadeen Payne has been named as a member of the Round 5 WNBL Team of the Week.
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Payne’s impact on the Spirit’s two-point win over the Sydney Uni Flames last Sunday was more than evident when she quickly converted a pass from Becca Tobin into what proved to be the match-winning basket.
Humble with the accolade, the team’s nail-biting victory over the Flames was more important.
“Individual accolades aren’t that important, we’re a pretty selfless team.
“What was important was that we got the win and maintained our unbeaten record at home.”
Despite the victory over the flames, Payne described the team’s first-half offense as “shaky”. However, the team turned it around during the second half.
But the key moment of the game which gave the crowd an unforgettable moment was the match defining layup.
“Everyone in the crowd who came up to me after the game said they could read my mind,” Payne laughed.
“In that moment in my head, all I was saying to myself was ‘don’t miss this layup’.”
“I was so focused on making it, I really took my time.”
Payne’s game stats: 14 points on 5-17 shooting, six rebounds and three assists.
The win moved the Spirit to second on the WNBL ladder with 5 wins and 2 losses, behind the Perth Lynx (6-1).
Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said for Payne to be named as a player on the Team of the Week was an acknowledgement of her determination.
“It’s pleasing to see she has been recognised by the WNBL for her contribution.
“It’s a justified reward for the hard work she did in the off season,” Pritchard said.
Looking to the future Pritchard believes Payne is destined for the international basketball stage.
“I would like to see her around the Opals (Australian women’s national basketball team) next time there is an open window, I think she has something to offer internationally.”
Kelsey Griffin – former Spirit and current UC Capitals player – was also named in the Round 5 Team of the Week for her performance against the Perth Lynx.
Griffin’s stats: 30 points on 11-25 (44%) shooting, 18 rebounds including ten offensive, one assist, one steal and one block.
Bendigo Spirit’s Tobin was given an honourable mention for her Round 5 performance.
Bendigo Spirit will go head-to-head against the Dandenong Rangers this Friday night at the Bendigo Stadium, tip-off at 7pm.
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