CHAMPS OUT TO DEFEND TITLE
ST Margaret Mary’s College ( SMMC) have their sights set on defending their national schoolgirls basketball crown after sealing back- to- back state titles at Logan last week.
After being rested for the majority of the tournament’s preliminary games with a minor back issue, Townsville Fire development player Alexandra Fowler – who won bronze at this year’s Under- 17 Basketball World Cup – was outstanding when it counted, racking up 28 points in the 64- 47 gold medal match victory over Gold Coast’s Hillcrest Christian College.
Forward Harriet Carey was also dominant with 22 points.
The performance of Shaina Pacey allowed them to overcome the loss of point guard Chailee Ward through work commitments to secure the title.
“It’s the first time we’ve gone back to back,” SMMC coach Alison Ward said.
“Fowler and Carey did most of our scoring, but defensively we were excellent all week.
“Fowler hardly played the first few days, we nursed her through it but the physio allowed me to play her as much as I wanted in the semi and final.
“She was just a beast, to be honest.
“With them Shaina, Shaylee Browning and Bree Stephens, no team could match us defensively.” The victory secured St Margaret Mary’s College a spot in the champions schools of Australia tournament at Melbourne in early September.
They secured the national title for the first time last year with a 61- 58 grand final win over Canberra’s Lake Ginninderra.
“The pressure’s on to go back- to- back and obviously it’s something we’re striving to do,” Ward said.
“It’s something we’ve already spoken about, that’s our next goal.”
In the boys division, Ignatius Park College finished fourth after they were beaten 85- 73 by Brisbane State High School in Sunday’s bronze medal game.