Perth Lynx will boast a feisty edge this season as they prepare to unleash the daughter of Boomers legend Shane Heal on the WNBL stage.
Lynx captain Toni Farnworth has been impressed by Shyla Heal's efforts at training and she predicts the teenager won't be daunted by her older opponents.
"I had a crack against her at training the other day and she doesn't back down," Farnworth said at the Lynx's season launch on Thursday.
"I think she's got a little bit of her dad in her. She'll surprise a few people.
"She's only 16 but she'll see the court a fair bit this year. It's weird playing with someone so young."
Heal starred at the recent FIBA U17 World Cup, helping Australia win bronze.
She was named in the tournament's All-Star Five.
The 167cm guard will have to bide her time behind her more experienced teammates at the Lynx this season but Farnworth predicts Heal will make an important impact.
"I see her as energy off the bench. Defensive pressure on the point guard, she's excellent at that," Farnworth said.
"I hate taking the ball up the court against her (at training). She can hit the three-ball as well."
The Lynx were forced to make mass changes to their squad during the off-season after a host of their best players left the club.
Sami Whitcomb and Courtney Williams departed but Farnworth is confident the likes of Lauren Mansfield, Asia Taylor and Katie-Rae Ebzery will fill the scoring void.
Import Kaela Davis has already been cut by the Lynx because of concerns she wouldn't be able to perform at the level required due to her severe vertigo.
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