Tall Ferns Coach Kennedy Kereama was able to watch the conclusion of the 2015 Women’s Basketball Championships at his home in Western Australia courtesy of live streaming.
He offered his congratulations to the Oceana Gold Rush Otago team that defeated Auckland Counties Manukau Lady Hawks 67-43 in Saturday’s Grand Final in Porirua.
“Well done to Otago I thought they were the consistent aggressor on
the court in the final, with their key players all making contributions one way or another. Samara (Gallaher) and Jillian (Harmon) were instrumental at key times
Harmon and Gallaher were both selected in the WBC Tournament All Star Five but other Otago players caught Kereama’s eye
“The supporting cast of Janet Main and Umaga-Jensen was also impressive. Its nice to see different teams taking home the silverware each year.”
Guards Main and Umaga-Jensen scored 13 points and 11 points respectively and will be hoping the Perth based Kereama will be adding their names to the list of trialists heading to Auckland for the four day training camp next month.
“Again I’ve been impressed with the quality of players our WBC is producing. The competition has really grown since its introduction. You can expect a couple more players to be named to the Tall Ferns squad from the WBC within the next week.”
A couple of players that performed well last weekend will be hoping to get a call from Coach Kereama this week.
Thirteen of the twenty-three trialists named have appeared in the WBC this season.
Jordan Hunter and Kalani Purcell – Auckland Counties Manukau Lady Hawks
Shea Crotty and Connie Poletti – Canterbury Wildcats
Samara Gallaher and Jillian Harmon Otago Gold Rush
Moengaroa Subritzki – Waitakere Lady Rangers
Morgan Roberts, Penina Davidson and Deena Franklin – Harbour Breeze
Jess Bygate – Nelson Sparks
LACEY LOWDOWN 