Rockhampton Cyclones, Storm win bronze at Qld Basketball U18 girls titles

The Cyclones and Storm whipped up podium finishes at the Qld Basketball under-18 girls state championships. Their coaches reveal what drove their impressive performances.

The Rockhampton Storm and Cyclones basketball teams both scored bronze at the under-18 girls state championships.

Seventeen Rockhampton players showed plenty of fight as their medal dreams took flight at Basketball Queensland’s under-18 girls state championships.

Rockhampton Basketball’s two teams both brought home bronze, with the Cyclones standing on the podium in Division 2 and the Storm in Division 3 when the Gold Coast tournament wound up on Sunday.

The Cyclones beat the Mackay Meteorettes 62-53 in the playoff, while the Storm prevailed 62-48 against the South West Metro Pirates.

It’s believed it is the first time two Rockhampton teams have medalled at a state championships.

Making the Storm’s medal-winning effort more remarkable was they did it with just seven players.

Captain Georgia Fenton and teammates Abbey Denyer, Indhi Arnell, Katie Kerr, Kaysey Hoffman, Marleigh Smith and Michaela Simmons proved a dynamic combination - their ability to play a range of positions a key contributor.

The Rockhampton Storm won bronze in Division 3 at the Queensland Basketball under-18 girls state championships on the Gold Coast.

They enjoyed an unbeaten run through the round games with their winning streak only halted in a hard-fought semi-final against the Maryborough Magic.

But they would not be denied a medal, bouncing back against the Pirates, finishing strong in the last five minutes to score a 14-point victory.

Coach Maddison Barclay said the bronze medal was the “cherry on top”.

“It’s a first for most of those girls to even be in a rep competition so to win a medal was a bonus,” she said.

“It was really exciting because they had worked so hard all season and come so far.

“They really defied the odds by doing it with just seven players.

Rockhampton Storm player Michaela Simmons at the under-18 girls state basketball championships.

“They performed way above expectations. They worked so well together and played for each other.

“They are all so close; they really wanted to win as a team and as friends.”

It was a special result too for Barclay in her first foray into coaching.

She said it was great to experience success as a coach after the ultimate high as a player, winning the NBL1 North championship with the Cyclones women in August.

“This is definitely one for the books,” Barclay said.

“Coming off the high of winning the NBL1 league with my team and then getting third with these girls has added another dimension to my basketball career.”

Tabitha Allen, who coached the Division 2 medallists, said it was incredible to be part of the journey.

“It was an amazing result for these girls, who have never won a medal at states,” she said.

The Rockhampton Cyclones won bronze in Division 2 at the Queensland Basketball under-18 girls state championships. Photo: Highflyer Images

“We started the tournament with a tough loss but the girls kept their heads up and kept fighting and fighting in every game.

“It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride but it was a great team performance.”

Allen said the girls competitive spirit never wavered.

Their 34-point win over RedCity Roar in the final round game, which secured their place in the playoffs, typified their heart and determination.

Allen said the Cyclones went into the tournament hopeful of a medal after winning the CQJBC but were keenly aware of just how competitive states were.

“Just seeing their faces at the end of the medal game was incredible,” she said.

Rockhampton Cyclones under-18 girls player Bre Walsh. Photo: Highflyer Images

“There was probably a sense of relief knowing just how much they had worked and trained for this.”

Allen said captain Molly Barclay led from the front, while Lily Thomasson played a starring role in the medal match with 21 points.

Their teammates Pippa Reoch, Alexis Bichel, Aryriana Pianta, Bre Walsh, Chanelle Apiata, Erica Regan, Libby Kelly and Salvanna Ross all played their parts to a tee.

“I haven’t seen a team bond and gel so well,” Allen said.

“The girls had plenty of things thrown at us during the tournament but they just kept going.

“We rode the wave together and it was always a case of team first. They weren’t playing as individuals, they were playing for each other and their association.

“As a coach, I’m so proud of what they did, and as athletes, they showed great character and just what they were made of.”