KEY POINTS:
Queensland Firebirds shooter Romelda Aiken remains remains blissfully unaware of the credentials of her opponents in today's ANZ Championship clash against the Northern Mystics.
The young import is likely to match up against formidable defender Vilimaina Davu and Silver Fern Leana de Bruin in the goal circle, with
another Kiwi international, Sheryl Scanlan roaming out in front.
But Firebirds coach Vicki Wilson said these names mean very little to Aiken, who has had a sheltered introduction to top-level netball back home in Jamaica.
"Romelda doesn't really know of any names in the game so she just takes it all in her stride," the former Australian shooter said. "She goes from week to week not knowing who she is coming up against, I have to keep telling her."
But Aiken's ignorance it seems is bliss. Certainly it doesn't seem to have disadvantaged her in the opening rounds of the transtasman league, with the 1.96m shooter making a huge impact. The impressive youngster was a key figure in last week's 56-28 rampage over the Central Pulse, shooting 24 from 25 to set up a big lead before being replaced at halftime.
Wilson has been thrilled with the way the 19-year-old has improved in her short time with the Queensland franchise, and believes Aiken will only get better as the Firebirds midcourters learn how to feed the ball to her.
"She has improved just so much, particularly in the last month, and her confidence is growing. I think also our ability to connect with her is improving and that has been a very satisfying area for us."
With Aiken's incredible height and deadly accuracy, the winless Mystics will have a tough battle on their hands trying to contain the star and avoid a fourth straight loss. Though the Mystics have made a dismal start to the season, Wilson believes it will only make Auckland franchise all the more dangerous.
She said the Mystics have been unlucky in the opening rounds and are likely to have "a bit of a sting in their tail".
"They're coming in with a huge point to prove, they're desperate for a win and we just have to be prepared for that onslaught particularly in the opening five minutes."
It is certainly an important match-up for the Mystics, who look to be feeling the pressure with coach Yvonne Willering making most of her squad off-limits to media in the build-up to today's game.
The game gets under way at 4pm.
FACING OFF
Today:
2:30pm Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic v West Coast Fever, Hamilton; 4:30pm Queensland Firebirds v Northern Mystics, Brisbane.
Tomorrow:
3:30pm Adelaide Thunderbirds v Southern Steel, Adelaide.
Monday:
7:00pm Canterbury Tactix v Melbourne Vixens, Christchurch; 9:00pm NSW Swifts v Central Pulse, Sydney.
