What a championship would mean for Rockhampton

Feature image via: Taylor Earnshaw Photography

The Rockhampton Cyclones have had a meteoric rise to the NBL1 North Grand Final Series, and superstar Lara McSpadden has opened up on what a championship would mean to her and the community. 

“For me personally, qualifying in the Grand Final Series has been a huge win after being with the club for three seasons,” McSpadden told the Sydney Flames. 

“To be able to see the work we’ve done over the past three years come to fruition the way it has gives me the most pride.

“[As a group] we’re super excited as a club to represent our juniors, association and community… Our team is built on the support from the community and families of those who are linked to Rockhampton which makes wearing the Rocky jersey even more special in the decider.”

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The Cyclones slowly rose up the ladder this season, becoming a quiet contender throughout before making their statement in the Finals, knocking off the Logan Thunder and the Darwin Salties. 

McSpadden explained the group has improved tremendously throughout the season, winning seven games straight going into Friday. She hopes to carry their momentum into the Grand Final Series. 

“We’ve had a great group from the get-go, but the way we’ve improved and are still improving shows that we’ve had this potential all along and hopefully yet to play our best basketball yet,” she said. 

“Our girls have worked their tails off – no matter the circumstances and adversities we’ve faced, we’ve taken it in our strides and honestly I believe that’s what has made us such a tight group on and off the court.”

After her three seasons in Rockhampton, McSpadden said it would be a special achievement in her career to win with the club. 

 “To win a title at Rocky would mean the world to me,” she explained. 

“I haven’t played for another club in NBL1 North so it’d be super special to bring the title home to the people who have supported not only my journey, but also the journeys of our other imports and our local girls who have represented Rocky since their junior years.

“Not to mention, we have the best fans in the league – to bring a title home to them would be the most fitting way to show our appreciation of them and say thank you.”

Watch the NBL1 North Grand Finals Series Live & Free tonight, from 7:00pm AEST via Kayo Freebies.