Mackay Meteorettes forward Chelsea Brook named an Opal for Asia Cup

First Cayla George, now Mackay Basketball has another Meteorette-turned-Opal representing the city on the world stage.

When Chelsea Brook’s phone pinged a notification on Friday afternoon, she did not expect to receive life-changing news.

An email had landed in her inbox, confirming her place in the Australian basketball squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Mackay Meteorettes basketball Chelsea Brook has been selected in a squad of 21 for Australia’s upcoming Asia Cup. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Brook said she was not expecting the squad announcement that day.

“I didn’t even know it was coming, it was just a little email that popped up on my phone,” she said.

“It’s a surreal feeling, every young female basketballer has that goal and it was definitely mine, so it’s crazy to feel like it’s finally coming together.”

Chelsea Brook for Mackay Meteorettes against Ipswich Force in the NBL1 North, July 24 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Brook was named in the Opals squad of 21, with the final side of 15 to be named in the coming weeks.

She said it “would mean everything” to make the final squad.

“You want to play at the highest level and compete against the best in the world, and that’s something I’ve been striving for especially in the last couple of years,” Brook said.

“I’ll take any squad, any extended squad, I’m just super excited to be a part of this.”

Brook is no stranger to the bright lights, having represented Australia in the under-17s, under-19s and as an Emerging Opal in a Taiwan tournament.

She is not the first Meteorette to potentially pull on the green and gold, with Cayla George recently returning from Tokyo as a two-time Olympian.

Brook said playing alongside George in Mackay had been a “perfect place to be”.

“Being alongside Cayla as well as Heidi (Freeburn) and Jacqui (Zalenka) has definitely helped my game,” she said.

“It’s just a good environment to play freely and develop, and the community has been so welcoming as well.”

Cayla George (L) and Chelsea Brook for Mackay Meteorettes. Picture: Matthew Forrest

George is set to return to the Mackay line-up in the quarter finals against Sunshine Coast, with the returning cente a welcome addition.

“You get used to having Cayla there and putting up 30 points and 20 rebounds every night, so the first few games without her were a bit of a struggle,” Brook said.

“You’d much rather have Cayla than not have her.

“She’s the perfect teammate so it’ll be really easy for her to come in and fit right in.”

Originally published as Mackay Meteorettes forward Chelsea Brook named an Opal for Asia Cup