Brice named Best New Talent

Brice named Best New Talent

Adelaide Thunderbirds goal shooter Kristina Brice has been named ANZ Championship Best New Talent for the 2016 season.

First called up to the team in Round 4, Brice has been a reliable force for the Thunderbirds in the absence of veteran shooter Carla Borrego.

The 22-year-old has notched up eight appearances in a breakout season, with 226 goals from 262 attempts at 86 per cent accuracy, coming up against some of the league’s best.

In 2015 Brice played one quarter for the Thunderbirds against the Melbourne Vixens, however did not train regularly with the team.

The shooter stands at 196cm tall, the second-tallest in the Australian Conference (behind Romelda Aiken) and third tallest in the league, behind former basketballer and current SKYCITY Mystics shooter Megan Craig.

“I moved to Adelaide to do all the training not expecting to get on court. Being able to get out there and have a go has been a bonus,” explained Brice.

The shooter’s self-assurance has grown as her court time has increased.

“I’m really happy with how I’m playing at the moment. Being able to be out there and train with the girls has really helped my game, including working on our combinations.”

Brice thanked her teammates, coaching and support staff for this increase in confidence.

“Getting more consistent training, having coaches who have put the time and effort into me has really helped.

“Knowing that the girls know I’m going to my job has made it easier for me and given me more confidence going into games.”

Kristina Brice follows in the footsteps of formidable shooters Mwai Kumwenda and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, who were named the Best New Talent in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

The 2016 ANZ Championship Finals Series commences on Sunday, with the NSW Swifts hosting the Melbourne Vixens in the Australian Conference Elimination Final at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre at 12.18pm (AEST).

The New Zealand Conference Elimination Final between the Cold Power Magic and SKYCITY Mystics will be played at 4.15pm (NZT) on Sunday.

The two Conference Elimination Final winners will progress onto the Conference Finals in Australia and New Zealand to face The Coffee Club Queensland Firebirds and Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel respectively.

Don’t miss a minute of action with the 2016 ANZ Championship Finals Series broadcast live on SKY Sport in New Zealand and FOX SPORTS in Australia. ONE will show a replay of the Australian Conference Elimination Final from 8.00am on Monday morning.

ENDS

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