Queensland will be strongly represented on the international stage, with seven athletes selected in Australia’s 12-player Gems squad for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.

Cheyenne Bobongie, Taryn Bond, Jemyma Manyok, Lily Mapp, Olivia Olechnowicz, Jade Sherrington and Isabel Smith have all earned selection in the Australian Gems team for the tournament, which will be held in Seremban, Malaysia from 4–10 October 2026.

The seven Queensland athletes make up seven of the 12 positions in the Australian squad, with athletes representing five Queensland associations: Cairns, Mackay, Ipswich, Logan and Gold Coast. Four of the seven selections come from regional North Queensland, highlighting the breadth of the basketball pathway across the state.

From Queensland courts to the green and gold

The selected athletes have each taken different routes through the Queensland basketball pathway.

Cheyenne Bobongie and Lily Mapp represent Mackay Basketball, alongside Isabel Smith, giving Mackay three athletes in the Australian squad. Taryn Bond represents Cairns Basketball, while Jemyma Manyok comes through Ipswich Basketball. Olivia Olechnowicz represents Logan Thunder, with Jade Sherrington representing Gold Coast Basketball. Their selection reflects the contribution of local associations, coaches, volunteers, families and development programs that support athletes throughout their journeys.

For the four athletes from Cairns and Mackay, the achievement also highlights the opportunities available to athletes developing in regional North Queensland.

Queensland Coaches Join Australian Gems Coaching Staff

Two Queensland coaches will feature on the Australian Gems coaching staff, with Myra Donkin (Cairns Basketball) and Nic Martin (Logan Basketball) joining the team as assistant coaches.

Both coaches will bring their experience from Queensland basketball to the national stage, contributing to the Gems' campaign and supporting the development of Australia's next generation of athletes.

A pathway towards 2032

Australia enters the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup as the two-time defending champions, with the Gems aiming to claim a third consecutive title. For Queensland’s seven representatives, this tournament is also another step towards the long-term pathway to Brisbane 2032.

By the time the Olympic Games arrive in Brisbane, these athletes will be approximately 23–25 years old, placing them within the age range of the next generation of Australian Opals. The opportunity to represent Australia at U18 level provides valuable international experience as they continue their development towards the next stage of their careers.

A proud moment for Queensland basketball

Australia is scheduled to face the Philippines on 4 October, New Zealand on 5 October and Korea on 6 October during the group phase.

The tournament will provide another opportunity for the athletes to test themselves on the international stage after progressing through years of local, state and national pathway opportunities.

Congratulations Cheyenne, Taryn, Jemyma, Lily, Olivia, Jade and Isabel. Queensland is behind you!

From local courts today, to the green and gold on the world stage, and potentially Brisbane 2032.

Maroon Made.