DESPITE the Perth Lynx slumping to a three-game losing streak, Brittany McPhee has been a shining light for the side. Another struggling team in the Sydney Uni Flames also has a couple of promising youngsters holding the fort together, and both are recognised in this week’s young gun spotlight.

#4 Tahlia Tupaea- Sydney Uni Flames

Despite her side suffering a hefty loss to the Dandenong Rangers, Tupaea shone on court with a team-high 16 points. She also backed this up with two rebounds and one assist from 36 minutes of game time. Tupaea spent the most time on court out of any other Flames player.

#5 Vanessa Panousis- Sydney Uni Flames

Panousis has had two good weeks for the Flames, again racking up double-figure points this week. Against the Rangers, she scored 11 points and chipped in with one assist. Panousis spent 24 minutes on court, which was the fourth most out of any Flames player, including Brittany Smart.

#12 Nia Coffey- Adelaide Lightning

Nia Coffey played a pivotal role in the Lightning’s win over the UC Capitals. Her and Kayla Alexander combined well in the paint to cause plenty of headaches for the Caps. Coffey ended the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a wonderful all-round display. Even though Alexander outdid Coffey in points (22) and rebounds (10), Coffey’s influence was still profound. In Adelaide’s second game of the round, Coffey again teamed up with Alexander to lead the way for her team, with both scoring 18 points. The talented forward also added five rebounds and two assists from her 24 minutes of court time.

#12 Zitina Aokuso- Townsville Fire

Aokuso has been one of the most consistent players across the season for the Fire, making her court time count. Against Perth, she collected 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Aokuso was on court for just 13 minutes, once again scoring efficiently at every opportunity she gets.

#24 Brittany McPhee- Perth Lynx

Despite a loss to the Fire to kick off Perth’s week, Brittany McPhee showed positive signs. From 32 minutes, she racked up 16 points and three rebounds. She led the way in points for the Lynx. In her side’s second game of the round, McPhee was kept quiet by the Capitals, only registering four points for the game. She pitched in on the boards with four rebounds from her 25 minutes of game time, but it wasn’t enough, as the Lynx were comprehensively beaten by the Capitals.