Sykes, 13, set to make some history
GUERNSEY's women's basketballers will head to Jersey with a 19th consecutive Inter-Insular victory in their sights, and with talented youngster Emma Sykes providing a notable addition to the squad.
Sykes, 13, stars as our youngest player to attain senior women's selection. She has developed into a very promising player through the Guernsey Basketball Association's Future Stars programme and will use the fixture to gain valuable game time through her seminal senior appearance.
Katie Le Gallez will replace expecting Eleisha Gettings as a defensively-minded addition to the squad, which otherwise closely resembles the team that beat Cayman 60-55 to take third in last year's Island Games in Gotland.
Le Gallez will contribute to Guernsey's strong transition game, headed by Katie Cochrane, which hopes to generate forwards energy from a solid defensive backing.
This will play into the offensive prowess of players such as co-captain and serial three-pointer Emma Hicks, Gotland MVP Ieva Babina and in-form Jenny Dunne to create a versatile team that lends well to a high-tempo playing style.
Team coach Patrick Ogier is highly optimistic ahead of the inter-island clash, which he also sees as a way to sharpen the squad's focus between Gotland 2017 and Guernsey 2021.
'We needed a break after Gotland and I think it’s done everyone good, providing a bit of hunger to get back to playing,' he said.
'Training has gone well and we have a really well balanced team to face Jersey in a game where we expect to win, and win well.'
Ogier also recognised the Inter-Insular as providing vital experience for the up-and-coming side of the squad, which features not only Dunne and Sykes but fellow all-rounders Eden Fabbri and Tia Barnet.
'We are starting to build a team for Guernsey 2021 and these games are vital for our younger squad members to feel the pressure of big games and react positively, providing the performance we know they are capable of but also enjoying the occasion and playing in front of a crowd.'
This year's Inter-Insular will take place at Fort Regent, Jersey, on 28 April.
Full squad: Emma Hicks (Co-C), Emma Webb (Co-C), Jenny Dunne, Tia Barnet, Eden Fabbri, Verona Tomlin, Ieva Babina, Kat Daunt, Katie Cochrane, Katie Le Gallez, Emma Sykes, Gemma Batiste
