Academy stars to represent Australia

Queensland Country Health Fund Academy stars Alex Fowler and Rashada Kaigey will represent Australia at the Under-18 World Championships. Earlier today, Basketball Australia announced the North Queensland duo would be joined by Lana Hollingsworth and Ula Motuga at the 3x3 tournament in China from June 28 to July 2. During an impressive performance at the recent Under-18 Australian Junior Championships, Fowler, who has spent the past two years as part of the JCU Townsville Fire’s Academy program, averaged close to a double-double with 9.4 points, 10.6 rebounds (third best in the tournament) and 2.3 assists per game. Kaigey, who was an Academy representative in 2015/16, averaged 12.6 points, including 39% from beyond the arc, as well as 1.9 steals per game. “It’s a great reward for two promising young athletes who are both extremely athletic and should do well in the 3x3 format,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard. “Both have great potential and we see them as future WNBL representatives. “We’ve enjoyed having them as part of the Queensland Country Health Fund Academy and I am sure they will represent Australia with distinction.” Meanwhile, former Fire representative Nadeen Payne has been named alongside Carley Mijovic, Amelia Todhunter and Rebecca Cole in the open side. The JCU Townsville Fire congratulates each of the players on their selection. The Australian Under-18 Women’s World Championship Schedule (all times AEST): June 29: Australia (ranked 16^th) vs. Switzerland (ranked 9^th) at 6.20pm June 29: Australia vs. Hungary (ranked 1^st) at 9.05pm July 1: Australia vs. Japan (ranked 17^th) at 8.30pm June 20: Australia vs. USA (ranked 8^th) at 9.40pm July 2: Quarter Finals (3.45pm)- Gold Medal Game (10.00pm)