THERE were plenty of cheers reserved for Kelly Wilson before and following last Saturday’s Bendigo Spirit-University of Canberra Capitals WNBL clash at Bendigo Stadium.
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The former Spirit champion, who now plays for Canberra, was awarded league life membership alongside long-time on-court rival Nat Hurst and best friend and fellow two-time Bendigo championship star Gabe Richards.
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Into her 17th season in the women’s national league, Wilson is in contention for her fourth championship.
The star point guard won two with Bendigo Spirit under then coach Bernie Harrower in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and one with Townsville Fire in 2017-18.
It goes without saying that her quest for a fourth championship ring has been given every possible chance, with the Capitals earning home court advantage in their best-of-three semi-final series against Perth Lynx by virtue of their league best 16-5 record.
“We’ve obviously got a long road ahead of us, but we’ll focus on game one (this) Friday, but a championship is what we’re aiming for,” she said.
While the Capitals struggled to put the Spirit away last Saturday, the idealistic Wilson viewed their ultimate four-point victory as just the type of hit-out that would serve the team well ahead of a tough finals campaign.
“Bendigo played really well, made some really tough shots and really challenged us,” Wilson said.
“To come away with a win, especially in double overtime, heading into finals is a bit of a confidence boost.”
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The result-aside, Wilson was just glad to be back home and appreciative of the opportunity to celebrate her life membership milestone alongside her long-time best friend and WNBL and SEABL championship team-mate Richards and in front of a familiar crowd.
“Obviously I play here in the off-season (with the Braves) - Bendigo is my home. I love playing here,” said Wilson, who will resume her duties at Bendigo South East College at the end of her WNBL commitments.
“I enjoying playing in front of my family and friends, and getting the win was what we came here for.
“To be able to share the court (on Saturday) with Gabe and share that special occasion with her obviously meant a lot to me.
“When I retire and I am no longer playing, we’ll look at those photos and look back at our careers.
“Our years at the Spirit are ones I am extremely proud of, so to be able to do that with Gabe is really special to me.”
Wilson, who ended the Spirit clash with 12 points, nine assist and six rebounds, further congratulated Spirit 2018-19 MVP award winner Hurst on a ‘well deserved’ life membership.
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