Rugby and basketball in the mix for Daysh

Makayla Daysh named in NZ Womens senior basketball team. 26 July 2017 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by John Borren

Playing basketball for the Tall Ferns has always been the goal for Makayla Daysh.

While growing up in Tauranga she progressed through the various age group sides, eventually making it to NZ Under-20 level aged 17.

Then an opportunity of a lifetime came her way with a basketball scholarship to Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Now the 21-year-old is stepping up again with her selection in the New Zealand Premier all-stars to take on the highly rated UC Berkeley women's team on Auckland's North Shore on August 13.

With the Tall Ferns competing at the Asia Cup in India this is a clear indication to Daysh that she is in the selectors' sights.

"It is an invitational New Zealand squad. They took the 12 best players who competed in the (women's national) WBC tournament and named this team," she said.

"Yes it is a big step. I was pretty stoked. I have been away from the New Zealand side for a while before I went to the States. It is going to be good to get back out there and put that singlet on."

Daysh spent two years in Nebraska and says widening her skills on and off the court was the greatest benefit.

"I think the overall composure and experience, I guess, was big. I got tested in a lot of high pressure situations and it teaches you how to control your emotions and stay composed.

"That has been huge for me coming back here and being captain for the Tauranga women's team and being able to keep them composed in situations. Whether that is if we are up by 20 or down by 20 just to keep them playing until the final whistle."

The powerful forward says on court her inside game has improved a great deal.

"I've always been a solid player so to use that strength in a more positive way. Instead of getting offensive fouls I am scoring more and getting fouled more which has been more beneficial."

Daysh is the latest Tauranga basketballer to get the call up to national teams this season.
Te Ahikaa Bidois, Taiana Day, Piripi Tapsell and Moihi Gardiner all made the NZ Under-14 development tour to Melbourne, while Shalom Broughton and Briarley Rogers made NZ Under-17 squads.

Highly regarded coach Rachel Gwerder was awarded a BBNZ Service to Women's Basketball Award.

Daysh has seen a major growth in basketball in the Western Bay while she was away in Nebraska.

"I have jumped on board with the coaching since I have been back. I feel the younger kids have so many more opportunities now and the coaching has been awesome.

"We had maybe three or four good coaches when we were younger but these kids have them at their doorsteps. It is really cool to see the opportunities these kids are getting at tournaments and things Tauranga City Basketball are running."

Daysh has one other major sporting passion - rugby.

This week she was named in the Bay of Plenty Volcanix rep team and will front up for Rangataua in the Baywide club final against Waikite on Sunday.

Once the all-star basketball game is done her focus will change to the Volcanix.

But that Tall Ferns dream is always there.