Junior Tall Ferns head coach, Josh Thompson has today named his squad of 12 for the upcoming FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China.
The squad includes: Arna Bright, Elise Carline, Elise Gilbert, Olivia Lassey, Evie Leeson, Kavanah Lene, Tannika Leger-Walker, Rebecca Moors, Shawnee Nordstrom, Annika Scott, Zenthia Stowers and Temepara Walker.
In addition, five non-travelling Reserves have been named as: Kaelani Albert-Neha, Alexa Duff, Waiheke Kohunui, Aliyah Newton and Sophie Wilkinson.
Joining Coach Thompson on the staff will be assistant coaches Ryan Dubbeldam and Leanne Walker.
Squad Changes For Year 2
The squad returns eight out of 12 athletes from the FIBA U17 Oceania Champs, held last October in Papua New Guinea with the Junior Tall Ferns claiming Silver. Two returnees – Elise Gilbert and Kavanah Lene – made the tournament’s All-Star Five team of that tournament, after impressive showings in their first international competition.
Four new athletes have joined the squad in Canterbury-based Evie Leeson, Zenthia Stowers – who played for the U15 National team at the U15 Oceania Champs in 2022 – and the Waikato duo of Shawnee Nordstrom and Temepara Walker.
Coach Thompson says that while the squad adjustments were tough, it was necessary for the team to be able to compete against the elevated level of competition at Asia Cup level.
“Obviously we made four changes from Oceanias, a decision we thought was needed as going into Asia Cup is a little bit different from last year; it’s going to be a lot faster and more physical,” says Thompson.
“We like that we have in this squad – we’ve quite athletic and long at the wing spot and I think we have a good set of guards coming in, especially Shawnee [Nordstrom] as she was unavailable for Oceanias. I’m excited at who we’ve got and I like our chances of making the top four and getting a medal.”
FIBA U18 Asia Cup
This Junior Tall Ferns squad will arrive in China on 19 June for a short preparation camp, before competing in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup from 24-30 June. As one of eight teams to qualify for this tournament in Year Two of the U19 age group cycle, New Zealand has been placed into Pool B alongside hosts China, Japan and Indonesia.
Coach Thompson says that the squad will be tested early in their pool against some of the top age group women’s teams in the world.
“China was ranked number two in the world at the women’s age group level last year, they’ve always been known for being good at this level; they have a lot of size and length that we’ll have to deal with when we play them.
“With Japan, it’s all about their speed; that factor is going to be key as their team is fast, fit and has a lot of guards – they’ll be playing at a pace which we’re probably not used to. With Indonesia, we know less about them but we definitely won’t be taking them lightly.”
With a Top 4 finish in mind, which ensures New Zealand a place at the FIBA U19 World Cup, Coach Thompson sees two obvious pathways for his squad to reach this goal.
“We’ll prepare as best we can to hopefully top our pool, which sets us up for a place at the U19 World Cup next year – as we’ll go straight into the semi-finals. Even if we finish second or third in our pool, we’ll compete in a crossover play-in which still gives us a chance to make the top four.”
Find out more about the FIBA U18 Asia Cup at https://www.fiba.basketball/asia/u18awomen/2024. All games will be available to watch live on the FIBA YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@FIBA
FIBA U18 Asia Cup – New Zealand Schedule
Japan vs NZL – 8.30pm NZT, Monday 24 June
NZL vs China – 11pm NZT, Tuesday 25 June
NZL vs China – 8.30pm NZT, Wednesday 26 June
Junior Tall Ferns Squad for FIBA U18 Asia Cup
Arna Bright, Basketball Taranaki
Elise Carline, Basketball Otago
Elise Gilbert, Waikato Basketball Council
Olivia Lassey, Tauranga City Basketball Association
Evie Leeson, Canterbury Basketball Association
Tannika Leger-Walker, Waikato Basketball Council
Kavanah Lene, Canterbury Basketball Association
Rebecca Moors, Harbour Basketball Association
Shawnee Nordstrom, Waikato Basketball Council
Annika Scott, Logan Thunder (NBL1)
Zenthia Stowers, Harbour Basketball Association
Temepara Walker, Waikato Basketball Council
Non-Travelling Reserves
Kaelani Albert-Neha, Waikato Basketball Council
Alexa Duff, Basketball Otago
Waiheke Kohunui, Rotorua Basketball Association
Aliyah Newton, Canterbury Basketball Association
Sophie Wilkinson, Basketball Taranaki
