Beck given a Tall order
NEW Zealand has included Townsville Fire signing Stella Beck in the 10- player Tall Ferns squad for the upcoming William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
Having secured a bronze medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Tall Ferns will use the tour to blood a raft of young talent, with Beck returning to international duties after a decorated collage career at St Mary’s.
Three- time Fire WNBL champion Micaela Cocks has been rested, but remains a first- choice selection for the Tall Ferns.
“Since results on the upcoming tour has no implications for world ranking, we have been given a strategic opportunity to build depth within the Tall Ferns program and do some exciting talent identification,” New Zealand coach Guy Molloy said.
“I have seen plenty of the players who represented New Zealand with distinction at the Commonwealth Games to ensure their consideration for selection in 2019.
“This is a perfect time for some excellent young players to wear the black singlet again or represent the Tall Ferns for the first time.”
The Tall Ferns will play two warm- up games against Japan – and one against the Fujitsu Redwaves – from July 20- 22.
They will then face Japan, the world number 13 and reigning Asia Cup champions, along with Korea ( 16th), Chinese Taipei ( 40th), Chinese Taipei B and India ( 45th) from July 25 to 29 at the William Jones Cup.
The Opals continued their unblemished start to the Four Nations tournament in China with a 68- 58 victory over the hosts.
Two- time championship winner Darcee Garbin finished with three points and three rebounds, while Tess Madgen recorded three points, two rebounds and two assists during the 10point win.
The Opals continue their campaign against Argentina on Thursday night trying to win their fourth match in succession.
Townsville Fire 2018- 19 squad: Zitina Aokuso, Suzy Batkovic, Stella Beck, Micaela Cocks, Mikhaela Donnelly, Alex Fowler, Darcee Garbin, Tess Madgen, Laurin Mincy and Casey Samuels.