Cocks secures bronze medal

JCU Townsville Fire star Micaela Cocks has led New Zealand to a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Backing up the silver she won in 2006, the three-time WNBL championship winner, who was the only returning player for the Tall Ferns from the Melbourne campaign, was simply brilliant en route to 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the final.

Having won four successive games before being comprehensively beaten by Australia in last night’s semi-finals, the Tall Ferns have a lot to be proud of as they defeated Canada 74-58 in the medal decider.

“It means a whole lot to me,” cocks said following the win.

“I’m in a completely different role now because I was so young back then.

“I’m so proud of all the girls, to come in with a completely new system in such a short amount of time, it’s so exciting to play this up-tempo style of play.”

Cocks provided New Zealand’s momentum in the opening quarter as she finished with a team-high six points and four rebounds as the Tall Ferns opened up a 16-12 lead.

The 32-year-old stayed aggressive in the second quarter as she stretched into double digits – 11 for the half – as the Tall Ferns went into the main change with an eight-point cushion.

In the second half, Cocks became the facilitator for the Tall Ferns as she consistently found the open scorer as Nat Taylor (18 points and five rebounds) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (18 points, two rebounds and two assists) caught fire from the perimeter.

“I’m so excited for the future,” cocks said.

“Charlisse is the future face of New Zealand basketball, mark my words.

“To come out here at 16 and do what she’s doing, having such a huge impact at international level, is unbelievable.”

Click here to see full box scores from the bronze medal game at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.