Australian basketball prodigy Isobel Borlase showcased her talent as the Opals secured a convincing 86-71 victory over New Zealand, completing a clean sweep in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series on Sunday. This match, held in Hamilton, marked the culmination of a successful 3-0 series, adding to earlier wins in Adelaide and on the Sunshine Coast.
While the Australian men’s team, the Boomers, fell to the Tall Blacks with a score of 106-97 in the same venue, they still clinched the series 2-1 under the leadership of Mitch Norton.
Borlase, only 19 years old and fresh off a bronze medal success in Paris with the Opals’ Olympic squad, was a standout performer, leading her team with 18 points—including two three-pointers—alongside six rebounds and four assists. Notably, she was the sole player from the Opals’ Paris 2024 roster to participate in this trans-Tasman series.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Borlase expressed how much she learned, stating, “I learnt a lot from that experience in Paris.” She emphasised the importance of leadership within the team, mentioning that all teammates contribute in their unique ways. Borlase also shared her excitement about playing in New Zealand, particularly as many of her teammates were experiencing the country for the first time.
In addition to Borlase’s impressive performance, Courtney Woods also made significant contributions for the Opals, scoring 16 points, which included three crucial three-pointers.
The Opals’ morale and performance bodes well as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage, showcasing both emerging talent and established skills in a high-energy series against their trans-Tasman rivals.