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The Sydney Flames will head south this week for a landmarkWNBL clash against the Tasmania Jewels in Launceston, with the team preparingfor a tough contest in front of an energised Tasmanian basketball crowd.
The game is expected to be a special occasion for theleague, with the Flames set to play the first WNBL game in Launceston.
Head coach Renae Garlepp said the group is embracing boththe challenge and the opportunity to be part of basketball’s continued growthin Tasmania.
“We’re super excited to go to Tassie,” Garlepp said.
“We saw in round one the fans they got and the hype aroundbasketball, which is so exciting. To head to Launceston to play a game, which Ibelieve is the first WNBL game there, is pretty special that we get to be apart of.”
The Flames will face a Jewels side they know well aftermeeting twice during the pre-season. Garlepp expects a physical, competitiveencounter as Sydney looks to build on its strong start to the season.
“They’re a super tough team,” she said.
“We got to play them twice in the pre-season, so it’s goingto be a tough challenge, but we’re excited for it.”
Australian guard Agnes Emma-Nnopu said the Flames’early-season connection has given the group confidence heading into the roadtrip. She believes the team’s depth and shared identity will be importantagainst a demanding Tasmanian opponent.
“It’s been exciting,” Emma-Nnopu said.
“With a new group, getting to play so many games and beingable to adjust and fix things on the fly has been good for us. We have a reallyfun group on and off the court, and we’re continuing to build that chemistry.”
Emma-Nnopu, who joined the Flames after a standout UScollege career that includes an NCAA championship at Stanford and an EliteEight run with TCU, said she is focused on bringing energy, defence andrebounding to Sydney’s system.
“For me, it’s about providing that spark off the bench - defence,rebounding and those one-percent plays,” she said.
“You’ll see effort and energy from me every time I’m outthere.”
The Flames will look to carry that intensity into Launcestonas they continue their WNBL campaign against one of the league’s mostcompetitive sides.
GAME DETAILS
Sydney Flames v Tasmania Jewels
Saturday 31 October
Silverdome, Launceston, Tasmania
Tip-off: 3pm
Broadcast: Watch on 9Now, ESPN on Disney+
