McKay back at home in Hawks nest for new NBL1 competition

Katanning basketball star Megan McKay is excited to be back in WA to join the new-look NBL1 competition after an incredible few years interstate and overseas. The former Townsville Fire centre is looking forward to playing her first full calendar year with the Perry Lakes Hawks since her junior career after plying her trade in the US, Germany and the WNBL. She returns to the Hawks side as WA basketball undergoes a switch from the State Basketball League competition to NBL1 — an expanded national league that aims to connect all Australian district teams to one overarching body. McKay said the transition to the NBL1 format was a leap forward for WA basketball. “I think it is a great switch. The NBL1 is famous for how much footage and highlights it gets of us players because the games are so well documented and covered,” McKay said. “I think this benefits every WA basketball player who is looking for better exposure, as more people will see it because it is live-streamed online which is something that used to only be available in the grand final.” The Hawks will open their season against reigning premiers the Wanneroo Wolves at Bendat Stadium on April 24, after a round one bye. McKay said the bye made their preseason victory against the Cockburn Cougars last week even more important. “Every other team will have one extra game under their belts than us going into round two,” McKay said. McKay has set big goals this year after the Hawks disappointingly went down to the Wanneroo Wolves in the West Coast Classic grand final last season. “I think we have got a very talented team and I would like to help the club win the championship,” McKay said. “I’m really looking to expand my game this season. I want to shoot the ball with more confidence and win some serious games at Perry Lakes.” McKay joined Hawks players and staff at the club’s season launch last weekend alongside four-time NBL champion Shawn Redhage.