Townsville Basketball is pleased to announce the signing of two significant pieces to our 2016 Dennis’ Computers Flames outfit with the addition of QNBL Championship winning duo Natalie Novosel and Chevannah Paalvast. The signings are a huge coup for the club in securing what promises to be one of the most talented line-ups in the QBL this season.

QBL Program Manager, Greg Vanderjagt highlighted the importance of both signings to replace the contributions of last seasons departing stars Simone Page and Lisa Brennan. “Nat and Chevvy (Paalvast) provide a huge boost in not only talent to the Flames roster, but also a level of leadership to the group that will position the team well for success in 2016”.

“I know both players will enjoy the style that head coach Brad Walmsley has employed with this team, giving them freedom to showcase their talents at the QBL level. It is really an exciting tie for our program and on the back of another great season for the JCU Townsville Fire, securing two players of this calibre is massive for Townsville Basketball”.

Novosel comes to the Flames as one of the best credentialed players in recent QBL history. A standout at Notre Dame university, she was drafted 8^th by the Washington Mystics of the WNBA in 2012 after averaging 15.2 points, 4.1 rebound and 2.0 assists a game as a senior. In her first season with the JCU Townsville Fire in the WNBL, Nat played a leading role in helping the Fire bring home the title averaging 10.5ppg, 3.5rpg and 2.4apg while shooting an incredible 48.6% from the 3-point line.

“I’m excited about the prospects for the QBL season, playing with the Flames and becoming a leader in this team” Novosel offered. “Townsville and the community have been so good to me in my time with the Fire and I’m excited about having the opportunity to comtinue to live and play in such a great city”.

Chevannah Paalvast comes to the Flames on the back of her rookie season with the JCU Townsville Fire. The New Zealand international has dreams of heading to Rio in August this year and will miss some time with the Flames to fulfil her national team commitments in May and June. Chevvy graduated from Monmouth University in 2014 after averaging an impressive 13.2ppg and 5.2rpg as a senior. She will bring a lot of athleticism to the Flames this year and her ability guard multiple positions at the QBL level will be a huge asset to the team.

“Playing in the QBL is a great springboard for me to continue my WNBL career and also position myself to make the New Zealand national team if we can qualify for the Olympics” Paalvast said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the players and helping the Flames get back to the QBL finals in 2016, I know its been a few years but I’m positive that Nat and I and hopefully Mia down the track can help the Flames succeed”.

Both players will take some much deserved rest until mid April when they return to pre-season training with the Flames in preparation for round 1 of the QBL season against Cairns on May 1^st at the Furnace.

Have you got your QBL season tickets yet? Be sure to get in contact with Townsville Basketball to secure your seats for the premier winter Basketball competition in Queensland and to see the many talented local players hit the floor for the Heat and Flames in 2016.

For more information please contact Townsville Basketball on 4778 3400.