Isla Shackleton youngest member of Qld North side playing at under-16 nationals

Considered one of the best prospects to come out of Rockhampton Basketball, Isla Shackleton is blazing her way through the ranks. Read how she changed to the game that looks set to take her to great heights.

Rockhampton Basketball's Isla Shackleton is the youngest member of the Queensland North under-16 girls team. Photo: Basketball Queensland

A budding netball representative, Isla Shackleton was encouraged by a friend three years ago to try her hand at basketball.

It proved a natural fit and the Yeppoon teenager’s dream of one day earning national selection is becoming all the more real.

She is currently in camp with her Queensland North teammates in Brisbane, preparing for the national under-16 national championships in Bendigo.

At 14, Isla is the youngest member of the outfit eager to improve on its bronze-medal winning effort of 2023.

The 188cm centre has been described by Rockhampton Basketball development manager Drew Fenton as “one of the best prospects to come through in quite a few years”.

Talented Rockhampton duo Austin Wilson and Gus Loughlan are in the Queensland North boys team, while another of the city’s products, Andrew Watene, will spearhead the Queensland South campaign after moving to Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) on a full scholarship.

The nationals will be available to stream LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from Saturday.

Fenton said the tournament would be more of a learning experience for Isla, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since her code switch.

The Blazers Basketball Club member put herself firmly on the radar of state selectors after starring for the Queensland emerging under-15 development team at the Southern Cross Cup in Melbourne in January.

She was the tournament’s leading scorer, something that came as no surprise to Fenton.

“Isla’s not an old-school centre who just stands under the basket; she can step out and shoot the ball, as well as get the rebounds and the shots close into the rim,” he said.

“She’s just a worker and her dedication is what sets her apart.”

Fenton has been working on a daily basis with Isla, who has also been training this season with him and the Rockhampton Cyclones’ NBL1 North squad.

Her mother Kandice revealed that Isla was up at 4.30am every day to travel from their home in Yeppoon to the 6.30am training session in Rockhampton.

“She’s very focused, dedicated and she doesn’t like to lose,” she said.

“She’s the one who puts in the effort; she is very keen to train and get better.”

Kandice said Isla was fully invested in basketball and her goal was to make the Australian under-17 team.

The Shackletons are extremely grateful for the time Fenton has invested in their daughter’s on-court development.

Kandice and her husband Luke are heading to the nationals, keen to witness what is sure to be a special time for their daughter.

“When Isla made the team, she was extremely excited. She didn’t really expect it,” she said.

“She’s the baby of the team but she should have a good carnival and I’m sure she’ll do her job.

“I’m actually quite nervous for her... but excited as well.”

Queensland North under-16 girls

Addison Davey - Townsville

Clark Kolb - Townsville

Eden Catip - Mackay

Ella Duroux - Townsville

Isabel Smith - Mackay

Isla Shackleton - Rockhampton

Lily Mapp - Mackay

Macey Lahrs _ Townsville

Maggie Thorburn - Mackay

Skye Vaughan - Mackay

Tahlia Jensen - Mackay

Queensland North under-16 boys

Austin Wilson - Rockhampton

Cooper Currie - Mackay

Declan Garnham - Mackay

Gus Loughlan - Rockhampton

Jayley Mitchellhill - Townsville

Keenan Williams - Cairns

Kobi Teasdale - Cairns

Rayniel Vanguardia - Townsville

Treyce Ciantar - Mackay

Usai Bickey Mackay

William Imhoff - Cairns