The US recruit arrived suddenly last week and played in the Tornadoes’ home loss to Melbourne Tigers. 

Williams hobbled off the court injured during her five-point debut, but will be a crucial cog in this weekend’s double header in Victoria with captain Lauren Mansfield still on the sidelines.  

“She’s enjoying Launceston a lot,” Washington said. 

“She gets along with all the ladies on the team, the players like and embraced her - that’s what I like about my team.

“They can embrace anybody that comes into our club and that’s what she’s told me on the side, so I’m very proud.

“It’s been a perfect fit and what we needed, especially with our injuries of Lauren Mansfield being out and not having Mikaela Ruef, she’s been able to pick up some of that slack and bring another dynamic player to our team.”

The weekend’s meetings with bottom-placed Basketball Australia COE and fifth-placed Sandringham loom as must-win games for the 7-6 Tornadoes, who sit two games out of the top four.

Washington said his team remained on track for finals providing his players could remain off the injury list. 

“I think we’re a better team than what our record shows.

“There are 14 teams in the league, we’re looking to hopefully get a top four (finish) if we can and push through these next seven games.”