Ansett star Frances Fatnowna thrilled with Dangalabba’s winning start in Darwin’s Indigenous Community Basketball League

DANGALABBA girls’ coach Frances Fatnowna has singled out young stars Shayla Gibson and Latisha Forrester for praise after her team’s undefeated start from the first two rounds in Darwin’s Indigenous Community Basketball League.

Dangalabba’s Latisha Forrester has impressed in both offence and defence during her team’s undefeated start to the Darwin Indigenous Community Basketball League. Picture: Che Chorley

DANGALABBA girls’ coach Frances Fatnowna has singled out young stars Shayla Gibson and Latisha Forrester for praise after her team’s undefeated start from the first two rounds in Darwin’s Indigenous Community Basketball League.

Gibson scored 19 points in her team’s 43-40 win over Damabila in Week 1 of the NT Metro League.

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And Forrester finished with an impressive 23 points in a big 62-29 victory over Mulababila in the 14-years-and-under competition last Sunday.

“Both Shayla and Latisha already have great skills for their ages,” Fatnowna told the NT News.

“I’m letting them play to their strengths in offence, and in defence I’m giving them jobs to do and they’re doing them.”

Fatnowna is enjoying coaching in the inaugural competition which offers the Territory’s best young Indigenous players a pathway to be recognised by NBA talent scouts.

The competition is backed by Australia’s superstar Indigenous guard who plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, Patty Mills.

Dangalabba standout Shayla Gibson dribbles down the court. Picture: Che Chorley

The best players from around the country – also including Thursday Island, Cairns, Logan, Dubbo, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Perth – will play in a national tournament during a camp on the Gold Coast from April 11-13.

Two standout boys and girls from each city will then be selected to participate in the Junior NBA Global Championship Asia-Pacific athlete selection pathway camp planned for later in the year.

“It’s a competitive competition, but the girls are also having fun, and that’s what we’re encouraging them to do,” Fatnowna said.

In the boys’ competition, Dangalabba is currently unbeaten from its first two games, beating Damabila (51-37) and Mulababila (46-40). Calvin Peris-Chong starred with 23 and 21 points respectively for the Jason Ah Sam-coached side.

Meanwhile, Fatnowna said she was looking forward to coaching the Ansett women’s team in the 2021 Darwin Basketball Championship.

Tournament ambassador and Australian wheelchair basketball representative CJ McCarthy-Grogan at the Indigenous Community Basketball League Opening Ceremony at Darwin Basketball Stadium. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“I won’t be playing this season because I did my ACL and MCL playing for St Mary’s (against Nightcliff) in footy four weeks ago,” she said.

“So that’s a bummer.

“But I’m looking forward to coaching the team.

“We should be competitive as we were beaten preliminary finalists last year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Amy List develop as a post player. She’s turning 16 and played a game in the League last year. She’s six-foot-two and improving.”