Spirit coach eager to capitalise on momentum

Morrell, who suited up for the Spirit in their opening three games of the season, helps fill the import void left by the mid-season departure of Becca Tobin and recent hamstring injury to Marte Grays.

Spirit coach Tracy York said Morrell, who returned to Bendigo on Monday and took part in training later that day, was eager to make the most of her new opportunity.

"She has been working out in Adelaide and is just a really good person," she said.

"She said last time she came in she had less than 24 hours before she was on the court, so at least this time she will have a week to prepare with us.

"Being two import players down and playing two development players, numbers-wise we were down. This will keep up our numbers up at practice and give us more options on game day."

Morrell last season averaged 21.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game for Woodville District and was crowned the SA Premier League's MVP.

She rejoins a Spirit team looking to record its third-straight win this Sunday against the Perth Lynx.

A win in Perth would enable the Spirit to draw level with the Lynx on five wins for the season and continue their strong resurgence in form.

York is expecting the Lynx to come out firing after losses in their past two games and three of their past five.

"They are a really good team and have some great individual players on the roster, but we have to do the right job scouting-wise, and on defence," she said.

"For our group if we can continue with how we have been playing as a team and sharing the scoring, hopefully we can continue the momentum going."

Five players reached double figures for the Spirit in their upset win over the Canberra Capitals last Friday, led by teenage star Shyla Heal, who finished with a team-high 24 points and equal-team high eight rebounds.

The standout performance earned the rising guard selection in the WNBL's team of the week.

York had just one word to describe the 18-year-old's game - super.

"When you look at her game, you obviously look at 24 points, but then you see her (equal) team-high eight rebounds alongside Gabe (Richards), and both of those (players) off the bench," she said.

"She did a lot of things at crucial times, as did Tess (Lavey) and Kelly (Wilson).

"For Shyla, coming off the bench with that aggression and confidence was great.

"Two wins in row is certainly really pleasing, but the way we played Friday night, it was such a great level of basketball."

Grays, who missed the win over the Capitals, is again expected to be missing from the line-up against Perth.

READ MORE:

Gabe Richards embraces Spirit mentoring role

Spirit coach full of praise for her players after upset win over Caps

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