Pacey primed as a defensive stopper for Flames

Tireless point guard Shaina Pacey is shaping as a key defensive weapon for the Townsville Flames heading into the 2025 NBL1 North season.

The 24-year-old local product has been a part of the Flames set-up for several seasons and head coach Claudia Brassard is excited to use her standout defence and improved shooting.

“I've coached Shaina before in Townsville and state teams so I know her game well and she's this high-energy, pesky defender that you can kind of unleash on the other team,” Brassard said.

“We’ll be looking for her tenacity on defence to give us a spark and really up the ante with our full court pressure.

“She can really change the momentum of games with her energy on defence and it's nice to have that sort of player to be able to call on.

“Shaina has also developed good outside shot so I think she’s going to give us some great minutes.”

The chance to go to battle against the top players in the league is a challenge the defensive-minded Pacey is looking forward to.

“There’s WNBL players and international players in different teams across the league so it’s always tough coming up against them but I really enjoying challenging myself against elite players,” she said.

 “I think defence is definitely my strong point, just bringing that energy and guarding the other point guards. I’m happy to get out there and really hound the other team and just chase after every loose ball.”

Pacey will link with WNBL legend Mia Murray, reigning NBL1 North champion and American import Samatha Bowman and locals Ainslie Minogue, Shaylee Browning and Chailee Ward on the Flames roster for the 2005 season.

Having played her junior Townsville career with several of her current teammates Pacey is excited to continue those bonds, while also re-linking with the returning Murray.

“I’ve grown up playing for Townsville with a lot of these girls and it’s always exciting to be out there competing together,” she said.

“Having Mia back is big for our group, obviously she brings a lot of leadership and experience, and we’re all working hard in pre-season to be ready to go for that first game against Cairns.”

The A. Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames and Aligned Townsville Heat will tip- off their NBL1 North campaigns on Saturday, May 3, when they host fierce rivals the Cairns Marlins and Dolphins at Carmichael Ford Stadium.