Teenage star ready to elevate game and have Hobart Chargers as a championship contender

Fresh from an outstanding rookie season in the WNBL, Shyla Heal is not daunted by taking on more responsibility as Hobart’s No. 1 play maker for the 2020 NBL1 season

Shyla Heal drives to the basket during the round 16 WNBL match between the Townsville Fire and the Bendigo Spirit earlier this month. Picture: IAN HITCHCOCK/GETTY IMAGES

HOBART has handed the keys to a teenage star in the making for the upcoming NBL1 season — but Shyla Heal baulks at any suggestions of added pressure.

The Chargers pulled off a recruiting coup by landing the 18-year-old daughter of Australian Boomers great Shane, opting to back in one of the brightest prospects in the country as their primary ball handler rather than bring in an overseas import.

But a superb rookie season in the WNBL with Bendigo has left Heal confident she can help guide the club into championship contention despite her relative experience in the professional ranks.

Shyla Heal looks to get past Mikaela Cocks of the Fire during the round 16 WNBL match between the Townsville Fire and the Bendigo Spirit. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Heal completed her debut WNBL campaign averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal a match — but flourished with more responsibility in the last month.

In her last six games she upped her output to 17.6 points and 6.5 rebounds, and now has her sights set on elevating her game to another level with the Chargers.

“I knew I was capable of it all season, I guess I found it a bit tough early because I didn’t play the point guard position much and that’s my natural position, but when I started to play it I started to feel really comfortable and all the work I had been doing made me a lot more confident,” Heal said of her 2019-20 Bendigo season.

“For me, the off season is all about developing, especially for the goals I am trying to achieve.

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“Developing for the next WNBL season I thought coming to Hobart and leading the team was best because they said they would get me instead of an import point guard.

“For me that was really big so I can have that experience in leading a team and dominating every game and helping my teammates.

“To be in that environment will be really good and that’s why I chose to come there.

“I don’t really feel pressure, it is all about working hard and if I do the work, I know I will be confident to achieve the things I want.”

Heal, who will be WNBA draft eligible next April, has returned to Sydney and will train with Shane until she joins the Chargers camp on the eve of the season.

She said having one of the country’s greats in her camp has helped her blossom in quick fashion.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without him, on the court and off the court he helps me so much and all my development is all because of him.”

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