Harmon and Stockill boost Tall Ferns as squad for WOQT trimmed to 14

RIGA (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - New Zealand head coach Kennedy Kereama has trimmed his preliminary squad to 14 players with late arrivals Jillian Harmon and Josephine Stockill among those still involved.

The two were absent on the recent tour of China, where the Tall Ferns trained and played several friendly games, but they are now with the squad and good bets to make the final roster for the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) in France.

New Zealand 14-player squad for 2016 FIBA WOQT
Stella Beck	Jessica Bygate	Micaela Cocks	Penina Davidson
Antonia Edmondson	Deena Franklin	Jillian Harmon	Jordan Hunter
Krystal Leger-Walker	Chevannah Paalvast	Kalani Purcell	Erin Rooney
Josephine Stockill	Lisa Wallbutton

During their two-week tour in the Far East, New Zealand lost twice to China and went 1-1 against both the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Following the arrival of Harmon and Stockill, New Zealand's prospects look brighter. 

Over the weekend, Kereama's team split two games against Latvia in Riga, with Harmon reminding everyone why she will important at the WOQT which is to be staged in Nantes, France, from 13-19 June.

I was really happy with how both Jillian and Josie Stockill have slotted into the group, and for Jill to score 22 in her first game back adds some much-needed scoring punch for us. - Kereama

Harmon, a 29-year-old forward, played for New Zealand at the Beijing Olympics but has not featured for the national team since the 2012 WOQT. She poured in a team-high 22 points in the first game against Latvia, a 70-64 overtime victory for the Tall Ferns.

"I was really happy with how both Jillian and Josie Stockill have slotted into the group, and for Jill to score 22 in her first game back adds some much-needed scoring punch for us," the play-caller said.

The following day, Harmon had 11 points but Latvia bounced back in style with a 72-52 win.

Next up, New Zealand head to Minsk, Belarus, for a four-nation tournament against the host nation, Turkey, and Japan.

Kereama feels the tour to Minsk should boost the team’s offense.

"I believe we have it in us and we just need to find a few more players that can give us some scoring punch off the bench and maintain our effort levels and execution. We have the tools and we will find who those players are on the next leg of the tour," he noted.

In the meantime, Kereama lamented sending home Brooke Blair and Katelin Noyer. The pair was part of the preparation in China.

"It was tough having to make selections and leave both Katelin and Brooke behind as we move on to the next part of our journey. They have both been great and it's always tough to leave someone out when they haven't put a foot wrong."

In the WOQT, New Zealand will fight for one of the five spots on offer for the Rio Olympics. They will play in Group A along with Cuba and hosts France. 

FIBA