Gems turn to WNBL champs
JCU Townsville Fire development players Haylee Andrews and Miela Goodchild have been included in an extended Australian squad for the up-coming Under-18 Asia Cup.
With the tournament serving as the qualifier for the Under-19 World Cup, the Gems have turned to the reigning WNBL champions to fuel their ambitions, with Andrews and Goodchild named alongside championship-winning coach Claudia Brassard, who will serve as an assistant to Dee Butler.
Inaugural Fire coach Dave Herbert and team manager Donna Turner also form part of Butler’s support staff.
“I’m really proud of our two development players winning selection, it is a nice reward for their hard work,” Brassard said.
“Making this squad was something they both identified as a goal in their Individual Performance Plans and they put the hours in to make it happen.
“I’m looking forward to working with this talented young group on the international stage.
“It’s always exciting to represent your country and work with the nation’s best players.”
ANNOUNCEMENT | The 🇦🇺 Under-19 Gems squad to attend the first preparation camp of 2018 at the @BACentreofExcel from May 12-14 has been named: https://t.co/MOTDxgQ66g #GoGems pic.twitter.com/dzGHhqXnSn
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) March 23, 2018
The 18-player squad will attend a preparation camp at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra from May 12 to 14.
The final team will be selected ahead of the Under-18 Asia Cup in October.
Click here to see full squad details for the Australian Gems.