New-look Sydney Uni Flames in the mix for WNBL glory

THEY have an Opal, precocious teens, star imports, a proven coach and a wily old veteran — potentially the ingredients the Sydney Uni Flames need to end a 15-year dry spell in the WNBL.

Sydney University Flames stars Belinda Snell and Leilani Mitchell.

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THEY have an Opal, precocious teens, star imports, a proven coach and a wily old veteran — potentially all the ingredients to end a 15-year dry spell in the WNBL.

But cautious stalwart Belinda Snell says the Sydney Uni Flames won’t know just how potent the mix is until they test themselves against the two biggest teams in the WNBL — Perth and Townsville.

The new-look Flames host Lynx, last year’s league runners-up, in the season opener on Friday at Brydens Stadium in Sydney.

OPALS TRUMP CARD FOR FLAMES

FLAMES IMPORT CENTRE OF ATTENTION

They will then meet the defending WNBL champions, Townsville Fire, three times in the first seven weeks of the WNBL, with the first encounter also in Sydney on October 22.

Leilani Mitchell and Belinda Snell add experience to the Flames roster.

“How we match up against Perth on Friday and then Fire will give us the best indication of our season hopes,’’ said Snell who has returned to the Flames for the 2016/17 season.

“But there’s a good vibe in the team. Everyone is really excited. “Things do look promising.’’

Sydney last won the WNBL back in 2000/2001 with the Flames last featuring in a grand-final in 2007/2008.

Wholesale changes in the off-season, the injection of American imports in Jennifer Hamson and Asia Taylor, the signing of Opal Leilani Mitchell and new coach Cheryl Chambers have seen the Flames tipped for a standout season.

Australia's point guard Leilani Mitchell in action at the Rio Olympics.

But Snell says working against them is the lack of time the team has spent together, with Chambers only managing to assemble all her charges together for one pre-season game.

Snell said the talent-rich Perth pose an intimidating but not insurmountable obstacle for the Flames on Friday.

“How we go against them will give us a real idea of where we sit this year,’’ she said.

“They are a very good side.’’

The Flames lost to Lynx in the pre-season without import Taylor and Opal Mitchell.

But on Friday Perth travel to Sydney minus their Australian star and captain Tess Lavey who has undergone foot surgery and will not be back of the court until the end of the month.

SYDNEY UNI FLAMES V PERTH LYNX

Friday October 7

Brydens Arena

Games start: 7.30pm

SYDNEY UNI FLAMES FAST FACTS

Last year result: 5th.

Coach: Cheryl Chambers

Back: Hayley Moffatt, Tahlia Tupaea, Alex Wilson, Carly Boag.

New recruits: Sarah Graham, Shanae Greaves, Jennifer Hamson, Lara McSpadden, Lauren Nicholson, Belinda Snell, Asia Taylor, Cassidy McLean, Leilani Mitchell

Gone: Kathryn Rendell, Dameka Rowe, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Nicole How, Casey Samuels, Annabelle Starr, Rohanee Cox, Kate Seebohm, Carolyn Swords, Joslyn Tinkle.

One to watch: Opal Leilani Mitchell will rule for the Flames. Composed, experienced and mercurial, her presence could prove just what the Flames have been searching for as they chase a spot in this season’s decider.