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Townsville to unleash key Kiwi recruit
Townsville Flames’ newest recruit Tayla Dalton will make her much-anticipated debut tomorrow night against the Brisbane Capitals at Carmichael Ford Stadium. The Kiwi guard arrives fresh from a strong college career at Gonzaga University and will slot straight into the line-up after just one training session. Known for her hustle and defence, Dalton is excited to challenge herself against Australian Opals star Miela Sowah and bring leadership to a young Flames team. Coming from a sporting family and following in the footsteps of her aunt Jess Foley — a former Townsville Fire star — Dalton is eager to embrace the community and make her mark in the NBL1 North. The Flames tip off at 6PM, followed by the Heat at 8PM.
Townsville's NBL1 North teams split their road doubles over the weekend, with the Heat and Flames triumphing on Friday night in Mackay before both fell short 24 hours later in Rockhampton.
Former Rocky star Sam Bowman torched her old team for 24 points and 18 rebounds as the Flames saw off the Cyclones 66-57, with Townsville product Shaylee Browning also impressing with 17 points.
The Flames couldn't back it up on Saturday, falling to a fast-finishing Mackay outfit 85-74.
The Meteorettes won the final term 26-11 to see the Flames fall to 1-2 on the year, despite Bowman's near triple double (24 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) and big games from Browning (13pts) and Chailee Ward (13pts, 3 reb, 3ast).
Import shooting guard Grant Teichmann's 19-point effort steered a balanced scoring effort that helped the Heat to a Friday night victory over Rockhampton.
The Heat looked certain to improve to 3-0 the next night but were left rueing a fourth quarter fadeout in Saturday's loss to Mackay as they went down 102-100 in a thriller.
Sudanese-Australian star Kuany Kuany impressed with 22 points and 15 rebounds but he fouled out late and the Heat were unable to hang on.
Teichmann had 17 points and Richard Peachey added 15 but Townsville failed to execute in the final minute to fall to a first loss of their 2025 campaign.
The Heat and Flames will both look bounce back this Friday night when they host Brisbane Capitals at Carmichael Ford Stadium.
Grootenboer and Wilson Set Sights on Big Weekend
Townsville Flames centre Kali Grootenboer says last weekend’s heavy loss to Cairns was a much-needed wake-up call as her team prepares for a Round 2 road double against Rockhampton and Mackay. The Canadian newcomer, who tallied 15 points and five rebounds in her NBL1 North debut, is excited to reunite with former college teammate and Flames captain Harriet Carey while adjusting to the Australian league. Meanwhile, the Townsville Heat are riding high after a dominant win over the Marlins, with forward Marshall Wilson praising the team’s chemistry and physicality ahead of tough away games against the Rockets and reigning champs Mackay Meteors.
Kuany helps Heat hammer Marlins in opener
Townsville recruit Kuany Kuany made a spectacular debut for the Heat, dropping 33 points and leading his team to a dominant 111–84 win over rivals Cairns Marlins in their NBL1 North season opener. Supported by strong performances from Ethan Betts, Grant Teichmann, Max Norton and Chris Kann, the Heat impressed across the board. Kuany, fresh off an NBL championship with Illawarra, is eager to use this season to earn another pro contract. Meanwhile, the Flames struggled in their opener, falling 97–63 to the Dolphins despite a huge effort from import Sam Bowman (29 points, 10 rebounds). Both teams now turn their focus to a road double this weekend against Rockhampton and Mackay.
Captain Carey fired up for Flames season opener
Harriet Carey will lead the A. Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames into the 2025 NBL1 North season after being named captain ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Cairns Dolphins. The Townsville junior returns home after completing a standout college career in Canada and is excited to reunite with head coach Claudia Brassard and a talented roster that includes Mia Murray, Sam Bowman and former college teammate Kali Grootenboer. Carey said playing her first game back at home, in front of family and friends, will make the season opener even more special as the Flames look to set the tone for a strong campaign.
Defensive Specialist Chris Kann Returns for 2025
Relentless defender Chris Kann is back with the Townsville Heat for the 2025 NBL1 North season, ready to bring his trademark defensive grit and game smarts. Known as the team’s defensive stopper, Kann thrives on taking on high-level opponents and will again be a key impact player off the bench. Head coach John O’Farrell praised Kann’s ability to set the defensive tone, highlighting his importance in shutting down key threats like Cairns' Stattmann brothers in the season opener on May 3. With a deep and versatile backcourt, the Heat are shaping up for an exciting season at Carmichael Ford Stadium.
Heat happy to have Norton back
Fan favourite Max Norton is back with the Aligned Townsville Heat and ready to ignite the 2025 NBL1 North season. The energetic guard will be a key contributor off the bench as the Heat embrace a fast-paced style under new head coach John O’Farrell. With a strong pre-season behind them, Norton is eager to hit the court alongside a refreshed roster featuring new faces Kuany Kuany and Grant Teichmann, as well as returning stars Chris Cedar, Ethan Betts and Richard Peacher. The Heat tip off their campaign at home against Cairns on Saturday, May 3.
Pacey primed as a defensive stopper for Flames
Local point guard Shaina Pacey is set to bring her trademark intensity and defensive hustle back to the Townsville Flames for the 2025 NBL1 North season. Known for her tireless effort and ability to change the momentum of games, Pacey will be a key part of the Flames’ backcourt under returning coach Claudia Brassard. With an improved outside shot and a fearless approach to guarding elite opposition, Pacey is ready to spark full-court pressure and lead from the front. She’ll join forces with WNBL legend Mia Murray, reigning NBL1 North champion Samantha Bowman, and fellow Townsville juniors as the Flames gear up for a huge season opener on May 3.
Happy Heat homecoming for Chris Cedar
After more than a decade away, proud Townsville product and three-time state league champion Chris Cedar is returning home to suit up for the Aligned Townsville Heat in 2025. With a wealth of experience from a decorated 16-year career, Cedar is set to play a key leadership role alongside local stars Richard Peachey and Ethan Betts. His return adds another exciting chapter to the Cedar family's rich basketball legacy in the region and promises to be a huge boost for the Heat's NBL1 North campaign.
Peachey primed for red-hot Heat season
Townsville junior and rising star Richard Peachey is back for his fifth NBL1 North season with the Aligned Townsville Heat, ready to take his game to the next level. After a strong off-season building strength and versatility, the 21-year-old swingman is poised to play a key role in the 2025 campaign alongside a new-look Heat line-up.
Minogue ready to ignite Flames
The A.Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames are delighted to welcome back hometown favourite Ainslie Minogue for the 2025 NBL1 North season! Since her 2021 debut, the versatile 21-year-old guard has showcased her smarts, determination, and ability to slot in seamlessly across multiple positions. Join us in cheering on Ainslie’s return as she joins fellow locals and star import Samatha Bowman for what promises to be a sensational Flames campaign! #WeTheVille
Teichmann adds American firepower to Townsville Heat
The Aligned Townsville Heat have signed experienced American sharpshooter Grant Teichmann (28) for the 2025 NBL1 North season from Germany's ProA league, with coach John O'Farrell praising the 191cm guard's elite shooting, leadership, and professional experience as a valuable addition to guide younger players ahead of their May 3 season opener.
Betts ready to run the show for Heat
The Townsville Heat are building momentum for their NBL1 North campaign with returning point guard Ethan Betts set to lead a revamped, faster-paced team alongside new additions Grant Teichmann, an American sharpshooter and facilitator, and athletic big man Kuany Kuany from the Illawarra Hawks. The Heat will open their season against rivals Cairns Marlins at Carmichael Ford Stadium on May 3.
Ward finds her way back to Flames
The Townsville Flames are excited to announce the return of Chailee Ward for the 2025 NBL1 North season. After a brief stint away, Ward brings her exceptional talent and passion back to where it all began. Her previous contributions to the Flames' success have been significant, and we are thrilled to welcome her home to the Townsville basketball family. Join us in celebrating Chailee's return as we look forward to an exhilarating season ahead! #wetheville
The Townsville Flames are thrilled to announce the return of Shaylee Browning for the 2025 NBL1 North season. A proud Townsville junior, Shaylee has been a key figure in one of the most successful age groups in the club’s history, winning an incredible five state titles during her junior career.
Kuany a key addition to Heat
The Aligned Townsville Heat are thrilled to announce the signing of dynamic power forward Kuany Kuany for the 2025 NBL1 North season! Currently showcasing his talents with the playoff-bound Illawarra Hawks and representing South Sudan internationally, the 206cm collegiate standout brings elite shooting touch and explosive athleticism to North Queensland.
Join us in welcoming Kuany to the Heat family as we embark on what promises to be an exhilarating 2025 campaign! #WeTheVille
We are delighted to announce the signing of Sam Bowman for the upcoming NBL1 season. As a key member of last season’s championship-winning team, Sam brings invaluable experience and talent to our roster. Please join us in welcoming her to the Townsville Flames. We look forward to a successful season ahead! #wetheville
