Duggan: Jets can create another winning era
THEY will likely not go on another unprecedented run of 13 consecutive titles – we will probably never see that again.
But Tracy Village captain Kylie Duggan believes her team can create another dominant era. That was her reflection after the Jets triumphed 60-44 over Uni Rebels in the 2021 Darwin Basketball League Final on Friday night.
Duggan used all of her biggame experience to star with 15 points for the victors, fellow experienced guard Tikesa Docherty-Cole adding 13 points.
Tyla Cubillo, 18, also stood out with 12 points (two threepointers). The Jets’ remarkable run of 13-straight DBL titles only ended in 2018.
But they were still smarting from going three years without celebrating going into Friday night, which was the team’s 17th consecutive final.
“It’s pretty exciting. We’ve finally got the cup back,” Duggan said. “We’re still together partying. We’ll probably do another (end-of-season) video.
“We haven’t done one for three years because we didn’t win a title in that time.
“Sometimes you have to appreciate what you achieve, and we all understand the history we’ve created.
“We’ve been through a lot of highs and lows together.”
Cubillo, Duggan’s daughter Kaylani, Jayla Thorne (four points against Uni) and Milla Hensen are exciting young talents who could take the Jets forward to another winning era.
“Absolutely (Jets can go on another winning title run). Even when us older players retire we’ll pass on the strong club culture to our younger players,” Duggan said.
“No doubt, our team is in safe hands going into the future. We’ve got a lot of depth.
“It’s now about us all sticking together. Tyla played really well (against Rebels). We started slowly, but she stepped up when we needed her.
“Her three-pointers at the end really helped seal the game for us. She was a bit nervous stepping into her pointguard role at first, but now she’s really embracing it.”
And don’t forgot what Jets champion Docherty-Cole continues to bring to her team.
“It wasn’t a pretty game and we didn’t play at our best, but Tikesa’s experience and tempo helped secure the win,” Duggan said. “She’s a great player and she helps me stay positive in my leadership role.
“All the girls played their roles well and I’m just so proud of them.”
Danielle Ponter (25 points) starred for Rebels.