Skills in abundance for a new generation of stars

SOME of Townsville’s top young basketballers are ready to make their names on the national stage.

Queensland North has chosen its under- 16 girls and boys teams for the under- 16 Australian Junior Basketball Championships being held in Perth from July 8- 15, and Townsville will be represented like never before.

Five Townsville players – Chailee Ward, Ainslie Minogue, Jameelie Cleland, Shantey Kaigey and Shaylee Browning – have been chosen in the girls under- 16 squad, and fellow Townsville talent Boston Mazlin has made the boys under- 16 side.

The players hope to follow the under- 16 Queensland North boys team that won the 2015 national title, but what is certain is they will get another taste of elite basketball.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had that many Townsville players selected,” under- 16 Queensland North boys manager Carl Ward said.

“In recent years it’s been I think two players max, so to have five in the one team shows how strong that age group in Townsville really is.

“This is Boston Mazlin’s second time representing the boys under- 16 team and he was the top three- point scorer at last year’s championships, so he’ll obviously be looking to repeat.

“In that team there’ll be five boys returning from last year, so they’ll be aiming for a medal and try and achieve what Sam Froling’s age group did a couple of years ago.”

The young Townsville girls will compete in a tough girls tournament, but Ward believes every tough game will them grow as players.

Chailee Ward has been named cocaptain of the side along with Cairns player Cassidy Warner.

“They’re definitely group,” Ward said.

“I think this will be a building year for them because seven of the 10 players are bottom age, so there’s a strong chance they’ll be back again next year.

“This I think will be more of a rebuilding year but it’s definitely going to be a good experience for them.”

Former Townsville Flames coach Brady Walmsley will lead the under- 16 girls team, and current Flames coach Mike St- Maurice will be assistant coach.

Mackay’s Ian Haughton will coach the boys outfit. a talented