Schoolgirl Charlisse Leger-Walker stars as Tall Ferns breeze past Jamaica

Charlisse Leger-Walker

At just 16 and already doing special things for the national senior women's team, it's fair to say 16-year-old Waikato prodigy Charlisse Leger-Walker (174-G-01) has the hoops world at her feet. Thought to be the youngest-ever Tall Fern, on Saturday in Cairns she came of age on the international stage, leading New Zealand to a comprehensive 80-49 victory over Jamaica in their second appearance at the Commonwealth Games. The win improved the Ferns to 2-0 in Pool B and put them on course for progression to the quarterfinals where they will likely meet the bottom side from the higher-seeded Pool A. And Leger-Walker's contribution, in just her second appearance at this level, could not be under-estimated. The St Peter's, Cambridge, student poured in a game-high 18 points in 24 minutes for the New Zealanders as they finally found their groove after a slow start. Leger-Walker, the daughter of Ferns legend Leanne Walker, demonstrated palpably what a hot prospect she is as she knocked down six of her 11 shots, including four of seven from beyond the arc. Just for good measure the youngster added a team-high six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot. She had 15 of her points in an electric first two quarters, where she made all five of her shots and all three of her attempts from long range. Jordan Hunter chipped in with 11 points (4/9 FG, 3/6 3PT), two rebounds and a pair of assists for the Ferns, while Chevannah Paalvast (180-G/F-91, college: Monmouth) made four of her five shots to finish with 10 points, four boards and four steals. Natalie Taylor (182-F-84, college: SE Missouri St.) and Erin Rooney (173-G-90, college: Fordham, agency: LBM Management) added nine points apiece for the Kiwis, Antonio Edmondson a tidy six points and five boards, while Micaela Cocks stuffed the statsheet with four points, five rebounds and a half-dozen dimes. ​The Jamaicans were paced by a dozen points and 15 rebounds from Jennifer George (188-F, college: Florida), while former netball star Althea Byfield (185-F/C-82) could manage just five points and a pair of rebounds. The Ferns had led just 17-16 after the first quarter, but hit their straps with a 24-9 second stanza to break the game open. From there the result was never in doubt as strong New Zealand defence harried the Jamaicans into a mammoth 32 turnovers, and just 32 percent shooting. Coach Guy Molloy , though, would not have been happy with 20 turnovers from his own side, nor a mediocre 37 percent shooting clip. Those numbers will have to improve if they hope to challenge for medals later in the tournament.
Courtesy of: stuff.co.nz