Coach Scott Dooley praises his young Cyclones, saying every player did their job

The Rockhampton Cyclones thrilled their home crowd with a win in Division 2 at the state under-14 girls basketball championships. Coach Scott Dooley reveals what set the tone for their successful campaign.

The Rockhampton Cyclones celebrate after winning Division 2 of the state under-14 girls basketball championships played in their home city.

A spirited come-from-behind win in their opening game laid the platform for the Rockhampton Cyclones’ success in Division 2 of the state under-14 girls basketball championships.

A proud, though slightly hoarse, coach Scott Dooley was thrilled for his young charges after their 63-47 grand final victory over the Toowoomba Mountaineers on Tuesday morning.

Playing in front of parochial home crowds on courts across Rockhampton, the Cyclones won six of their seven games at the four-day tournament.

Rockhampton Cyclones Emma Clarke on the attack.

Fifty-one teams took part in the event, which was staged at Bravus Arena, the CQUniversity and Heights College.

Logan Thunder claimed Division 1 honours with a 45-39 win over the Ipswich Force in an epic final.

The Thunder snatched the lead in the closing stages of the third quarter and extended their lead to complete a perfect winning record.

See photos from the championships here

Basketball fans turned out in force, particularly for the Cyclones who were buoyed by their vocal supporters.

Dooley said every one of his players contributed to the win.

The teenage champions are Cataleya Seriat-O’Cloudy, Emma Clarke, Halle McLaughlin, Kimberley Mosweu, Lexie Scott, Luniko Mseleni, Mia Bolck, Mia Duncan, Payton Taylor and Zali Dooley.

Rockhampton Cyclones Lexie Scott on court in the team’s win over RedCity Roar at Bravus Arena.

“They were really excited and it’s something they can cherish for a long time,” Dooley said.

“It was four days of hard competition. Two games a day is tough on them but they never gave up.

“The whole 10 players were outstanding; when I put them in to do a job, they just did it.

“As coaches, we’re there to guide them and lead them in the right direction but it’s the girls who have to make it happen and they really wanted this.”

Dooley said the Cyclones’ win over the Gold Coast Waves in game one, after they trailed by 17 points, epitomised their spirit and teamwork.

“To get that first win gave the girls a lot of confidence,” he said.

Rockhampton Cyclones’ Kimberley Mosweu.

“Basketball is about momentum, momentum will change but it’s about how you take those momentum changes.”

The Cyclones’ 32-point win over the RedCity Roar secured their berth in the semi-final berth, where they accounted for the Southern District Titans 67-61.

That set up their showdown with the Mountaineers.

The Cyclones seemingly saved their best start for their biggest game.

They were out of the blocks early and never let up on their way to a memorable victory.

Taylor lead the scoring with 16 points, while Scott landed 14.

Dooley said it was even more impressive, given a lot of his players were bottom age.

“We’ve got something to work with now,” he said.

“The goal is aways Division 1 but I’m taking this one.. It’s a big effort for these girls.”