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The WNBL’s Indigenous Round was great, as some teams turned things around and others showed that they are close to kicking things into higher gear. The Indigenous-inspired jerseys were beautiful, and the basketball was as well. Here are the takeaways from Round 4 of WNBL play:

Keeping the Spirit up

With New York Liberty and Australian national team head coach Sandy Brondello watching from the stands, the title-holders and the league-leaders squared off on Sunday, Nov. 24 in what was supposed to be an exciting ending to the Indigenous Round of games. Bendigo Spirit vs. Southside Flyers delivered on its promise, with Flyers taking an early lead and holding to it for 30 minutes, only to lose to the Spirit 79-71 following a big game by Veronica Burton. In her third pro season, the former Northwestern guard came to Australia following a solid year on the Connecticut Sun, who picked her up this year after the Dallas Wings waived her in May. Given more playing time than in the W, Burton is averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 boards and 4.3 dimes per game, and has been an integral part of her team’s success. The same was the case on Sunday, as she got 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Shaneice Swain should be WNBA-bound

We already wrote about her last week, but she just doesn’t allow us to leave her alone, getting better with each game. Shaneice Swain, whose draft rights are owned by the Los Angeles Sparks after they selected her 14th overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, is averaging 17.2 points, 2.8 boards, 3.6 dimes and one block per game. After beginning the season on the bench, she now not only is very much a starter, but also has become the focal point for the Sydney Flames.

In the team’s last game, a 84-78 loss to the Perth Lynx, she had 26 points and drained eight 3s, good for fifth-best in league history. Unfortunately for her (and the Flames), that wasn’t enough, as her team was up for most of the game, only to collapse in the fourth quarter. Still, it was a good showing and a sign that Swain and her team are improving.

League standings

1. Bendigo Spirit (6-0)

2. Perth Lynx (3-1)

3. Townsville Fire (2-2)

4. Geelong United (2-3)

5. Southside Flyers (2-3)

6. Canberra Capitals (2-4)

7. Sydney Flames (1-3)

8. Adelaide Lightning (1-4)