Leger-Walker youngest

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Tall Ferns’ announcement of a mix of experience and youth in their squad has rounded out the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team.

Thursday’s unveiling of the 12-strong team was the final selection announcement for the Games team, bringing the final athlete total to a record 251.

Tall Ferns coach Guy Molloy said he was happy with the balance in his squad, which consisted mostly of tried and trusted experience, but also with a dose of youthful enthusiasm.

Charlisse Leger-Walker, a rear 12 student at St Peter’s School Cambridge, will become the youngest player to represent the Tall Ferns and the third member of her family to represent New Zealand at senior level, following sister, Krystal, and mother, Leanne.

‘‘My mum was really excited,’’ LegerWalker said. ‘‘She has a bit of a poker face but, beneath that seriousness, she was really happy. I told Krystal straight away as she was asking me every day if I was in the team, she is so excited that I am going to the Commonwealth Games.’’

Being the youngest member of the team is not an entirely strange scenario.

‘‘Since I was about 11 years-old, filling in for my sisters teams, I have played with older players so that’s the way I have been brought up. I think it has also worked well that I have played for the Junior Tall Ferns at a young age so it makes the transition to this team so much easier. Playing up in the age-groups has really benefited my game skills and my basketball IQ.’’