Offseason recruit Hayley Douglas impresed for the Yowies in her debut against Goulburn. Photo: Andrew Johnston
Waratah State League, round three
Who: Queanbeyan Yowies v Dubbo Rams and Bathurst Goldminers
Where: Queanbeyan Basketball Centre
When: Saturday, 6pm and Sunday, 10am
IF Hayley Douglas’ attitude is any indication, the Queanbeyan Yowies won’t be lacking for confidence this season.
Douglas is one three players out of the ACT under-20s program to have joined the Yowies this year along with Sarah Atkinson and Lesina Manuatu.
The ACT under-20s were coached by former Yowies mentor Nathan Arousi and current Queanbeyan captain Kristen Langhorn at February’s National Championships.
The new recruits have brought a decidedly youthful feel to the Yowies squad this season as the side looks to go one better than last year’s preliminary-final defeat.
‘‘Our ultimate goal is the win the championship,’’ Douglas says. ‘‘We want to win it and we’re going to win it.’’
The 18-year-old had her first hit-out in Queanbeyan colours in the side’s 52-39 win over Goulburn, scoring seven points and impressing coach Jamie Browne in the process.
Douglas has been part of the ACT representative program since the under-16s and is a former ACT Academy of Sport scholarship holder.
She’s also someone who is passionate about her sport. Last August, Douglas was one of eight students chosen from across the country to represent the Australian Olympic Committee at the International Pierre De Coubertin Youth Forum in Beijing.
The trip followed on from Douglas being awarded the Pierre De Coubertin medal for her high level of involvement in sport with her former school St Clare’s College.
Despite suggesting basketball is the only sport she’s ‘‘ever been any good at’’, Douglas says being involved with any kind of bat or ball has always played a major role in her life.
‘‘I tried Aussie Rules and cricket at school but I was absolutely terrible,’’ she laughs.
‘‘I just really enjoy the atmosphere and fun you get being a part of team sports.
‘‘Sport brings so many skills to your life in terms of teamwork and leadership that I don’t think you can get from school or anywhere else really.
After overcoming an equally young Goulburn side in round one, Queanbeyan’s youthful exuberance will face its first real test this weekend when the side takes on competition heavyweights Dubbo and Bathurst.
The double-header at the Queanbeyan Basketball Centre will give some indication as to just how far the Yowies can go to matching last year’s success.
Queanbeyan won 17 of 18 games en route to the finals last season.