Dominant 42-point game the highlight of Mackay basketball’s strong season-opening weekend

The team’s centre had a 22 point, 20 rebound game while the forward recorded 37 points and 11 rebounds.

NBL1 North Women's Round 1, Meteorettes' Cayla George. Picture: Stewart McLean

Strong individual and team performances at the weekend has filled coaches and supporters of Mackay women’s basketball with excitement as the team looks ahead to its first home game on Friday.

The Mackay Meteorettes suffered a close loss to Townsville on Friday night, but bounced back on Saturday with a dominant 42-point display over Cairns.

Meteorettes coach Scott McKenzie said the team was only going to get better.

“In that first game, our lack of preseason showed, it was the first time the group played on the floor together,” he said.

“We started well but lost our way, which is understandable.”

After the disappointment of the four-point loss to the Heat, McKenzie said he implored the side to play with more freedom.

“We looked like a completely different outfit, we just went out and enjoyed playing basketball together,” he said.

“It allowed us to play freely, there was a definite improvement from our first game to our second.”

NBL1 North Women's Round 1, Leichan Williams (left) and Cayla George Picture: Stewart McLean

Centre Cayla George had a 22 point, 20 rebound game on Saturday, while forward Chelsea Brook recorded 37 points and 11 rebounds.

McKenzie said the side would need to play with the same urgency against Rockhampton this week as it did against Cairns on Saturday.

“Our offence flowed better on Saturday because we played a bit quicker than we did on Friday,” McKenzie said.

“We enjoyed playing together.

“Rockhampton didn’t have any preseason games that we’ve seen, so they’re a bit unknown in that regard.

“We should have them on size, which will help us over the course of the match.”

After a strong start to the season, McKenzie said the expectations would remain focused on playing finals basketball.

“I’m confident that we’ll be in the mix this year,” he said.

“The quality of talent, and the hard work the side is consistently putting in, will hold us in good stead.

“I fully expect us to make the playoffs.”

Originally published as Dominant 42-point game the highlight of Mackay basketball’s strong season-opening weekend