Talented Ella stars for Britain at Euros
Phoenix coach praises Doherty performance
Ella impressed for Great Britain in Podgorica Ahmed Photos Perth Phoenix player Ella Doherty has returned from representing Great Britain at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship. The Kinross High School student played a starring role in Podgorica, Montenegro. Great Britain finished 15th and rounded off the tournament in style with a 52-49 overtime victory against Switzerland. Phoenix head coach Russel Kesson believes the experience will help Ella, who recently turned 15, to develop further on the court this season. “Ella is a highly dedicated player and works hard to earn each of the opportunities that are being offered to her,” Kesson said. “She is the first from the club to reach this level and everyone at the club is delighted that she has earned this opportunity and are very proud of her for what she has achieved. “We knew she had a good chance to be involved as she has already been playing under-18 basketball with the Scotland squad. “But to have her officially confirmed as part of the squad was a very proud moment for us all. “I have watched all her games from the European Championships and I saw her growing in confidence in each game. “She is playing extended minutes in games and has been a consistent performer for her team, learning a lot from her experience out there. “It is a great step for Ella. “She was able to challenge herself against the top players from other countries and will learn to compete against different styles of play.
“The opportunity for her to train with new coaches and the best talent for her age group in GB will also help her to develop and grow as a player.”
Kesson, a physical education teacher at Perth Grammar School, went on: “We have had several of our girls involved in national squads over the past couple of seasons.
“It is a great credit to each of them for the work they have put in to reach that level and I take a real sense of pride in having been part of their development.
“Ella and her teammates push each other in training to develop and I am hopeful that she will be able to share what she has learned with the rest of the squad to help our team progress again this season.”
The new basketball season is about to burst back into life.
“We have taken on a new squad, with U18 women now becoming part of the club structure,” Kesson said.
“Several of our girls are drawing attention from other clubs around the UK and Europe and some of them will move on in the near future to play at a higher level.
“We now aim to progress the boys’ side of the club again with the aim of having all our teams playing in the top divisions in the next few years.
“I take a great deal of satisfaction in what our young players are achieving at this time and look forward to watching them realise their potential as they progress through their playing careers.”