‘Neers fight despite defeats
BASKETBALL: Despite coming off one of the worst defeats in Mountaineers history, women’s import Donnaizha Fountain is keeping her head high.
She’s under no illusions that the remaining six games are going to be tough for the developing side after suffering a devastating 126-40 loss to the North Gold Coast Seahawks.
“I was really proud of the younger girls Jasmine, Morgan and Jorja. They stepped up a lot,” Fountain said.
“These girls are 16 and 17. They have a long, great career ahead of them and I hope they go to the States and play college ball.”
Jasmine Gardner and Morgan Prentice both finished with eight points, while Jorja Bolton had a team-high six rebounds.
Fountain played just 10 minutes during the defeat at the weekend after getting into early foul trouble. She said it was a challenge to deal with the added attention she received on the attacking end.
“I can imagine of the rest of the season I’m going to be double teamed and things aren’t going to go my way on the court, which is expected,” she said.
“There’s not much I can do when I’m double teamed the entire game and in foul trouble.
“I picked up three fouls in the first quarter from trying to force things and be overly aggressive, because if I don’t do it, who else can?”
Moving ahead, Fountain wants the young talent to continue to take forward steps despite the tough circumstances.
“It’s a learning process for me and it’s really hard for me, but it’s also a great opportunity for the young girls to step up,” she said.
“We have a few games left and it’s only going to get worse. They’re going to take me out and I’m okay with that.
“I prove that I’m always one of the best players on the court but it takes a better person to help someone else step up.”
The Mountaineers head to Brisbane to face the Capitals on Saturday night.
– Sean Teuma