Townsville Development Team Fire’s at Hoop Fest in Perth

The Townsville Fire’s development team at this year’s Hoop Fest in Perth, secured back-to-back victories in a two-game showcase that highlighted the depth and talent within the club’s emerging stars. Over the course of two nights, the Fire’s young squad brought their exceptional brand of basketball to the court, demonstrating why the future of the women’s basketball is so promising.

On night one, Townsville faced off against a tough emerging Geelong United team. The Fire showcased resilience and teamwork, coming away with a hard-fought 78-72 victory. The following night, they defeated Bendigo Spirit 84-63 in a display of offensive power and defensive prowess.

Leading the way for Townsville was captain Jess McDowell-White, who was outstanding in her leadership role. McDowell-White’s game management, poise, and ability to orchestrate play on both ends of the court proved invaluable. Her leadership from the front set the tone for her teammates, ensuring the Fire stayed focused and in control throughout both contests.

A standout performance of the tournament came from Majella Carey, who had a brilliant night in game two against Bendigo. Carey lit up the court with 19 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. Her all-around game was a key factor in Townsville’s commanding victory.

But it wasn’t just Carey and McDowell-White making waves. Fans from across the country, and especially in Queensland, were thrilled to watch the likes of Sharni Reisinger, Prasayus Notoa, Teyahna Bond, Emma Petrie, Clara Kolb, and Macey Larhs. These young players gave a glimpse of the immense talent rising through the Fire’s development pathways, showcasing their skills and potential to one day wear the Fire uniform in the WNBL. Each of them brought something unique to the court, leaving fans hopeful that they’ll be part of the Fire family for years to come.

In addition to the Fire’s up-and-coming stars, NBL1 West players Mikayla Pirini and Jess Jakens also played key roles in Townsville’s success at Hoop Fest. Pirini was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting an incredible 9 of 12 three-pointers across both games. Her shooting provided a major offensive boost, particularly in tight moments when the Fire needed points. Meanwhile, Jakens was a force in the post, using her size and strength effectively while also displaying great leadership qualities.

For Townsville Fire, Hoop Fest wasn’t about winning games—it was an opportunity to promote development and pathways within the club. The performances of their young talent demonstrated the effectiveness of their development programs, and the team couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.

The Fire’s success in Perth wasn’t just seen on the scoreboard—it was a celebration of the future. The club’s commitment to fostering young talent and providing them opportunities to shine was on full display. As the Fire continue to grow, fans can look forward to seeing these rising stars take the next step and potentially become key players in the WNBL.

Townsville Fire’s trip to Perth was a clear signal: the future is bright