Martin reflects on national bronze medal with NSW
Flames’ Caitlyn Martin has just returned to Sydney after helping her NSW under 20 girls team claim the bronze medal at the recent national championships in Ballarat.
Playing alongside fellow Flame Isla Juffermans, the pair helped NSW edge Queensland in the third-placed play-off.
“It [the bronze medal] means a lot to me because at a national championship, it’s a privilege to win any medal,” Martin said.
“Especially as it’s my last nationals with basketball NSW – meaning it meant even more to me to be able to get that bronze.
“[Adding to that] being able to win it alongside Isla made winning the bronze all the more special.
“We knew of each other before coming to the Flames but since being here in Sydney, we have grown that much closer and created this bond on and off the court – I really cherished this moment of winning bronze alongside her.”
Martin, who captained the NSW side, played a large role in achieving this accomplishment, thanks to averages of 12.8 points, 3.4 boards and 3.4 dimes per contest from the starting guard.
“I feel I played the best I have ever played [during the tournament],” the Katoomba junior said.
“I was consistent in scoring and finding my teammates but also defence and that helped me step up my game.”
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Martin credits that strong play to her time with the Hoops Capital club as one of their three development players, alongside Carla Pitman and Abi Curtin.
“Training with the Flames not only took my game but also my confidence to a whole new level which prepared me immensely to have a great tournament,” said Martin, who will play with the Norths Bears in the 2023 NBL1 East competition.
“When you’re being defended by or are guarding some of the best players in the WNBL, it really teaches you things about yourself and what you need to get better at and that allowed me to reach that next level with my basketball.”
Martin and her Flames next hit the court on Sunday, February 18 when they take on Southside at Qudos Bank Arena for the ‘Thank You’ Lauren Jackson game – with tickets still available here.