Rising star Bond steals show as Queensland North slips to agonising quarter-final defeat
Write the name Teyahna Bond down, it’s one you won’t want to forget.
The 16-year-old sharpshooter is an early contender for tournament MVP at the Basketball Australia Under-18 Nationals after almost delivering Queensland North into an unlikely semi-final berth.
Up against the mighty NSW Metro, Bond was unbelievable with a 25 point, 10 assist double-double.
It wasn’t enough as the sky blues managed the clock in the final minute to come away with a thrilling 75-74 victory in the dying seconds.
But even in a loss, Bond had the final say, launching a long-range buzzer beater from downtown despite being out of range on the scoreboard.
What makes the Cairns shooter stand out the most is the way she has combined her ball handling and speed in transition with an innate ability to read the play several steps ahead.
“It’s just a skill I have, being able to be in position and run the plays,” Bond said.
“Especially with this team. Everyone brings something to the team.”
Bond finished the round games at the nationals leading the scorers with an average of 18 points per game.
It’s an impressive feat to say the least, considering the young gun is only 165cm tall and shooting over the hands of much taller opposition.
“Before this tournament I’d been practising my shooting every day,” Bond said.
“My first nationals was last year and it was a rough nationals. I’m here to prove that I’ve become better.”
While Queensland North fell out of medal contention in heartbreaking fashion, the teenager was adamant her side wasn’t about to give up.
Queensland North will enter the consolation finals on Saturday, playing off against their rivals for the minor placings.
“We’ve just got to keep our heads up and finish as high as we can,” she said.