Sport
24 January, 2024
Caitlin Jones-Story celebrates 100th game milestone
Sunday January 21, Horsham Hornets stalwart Caitlin Jones-Story celebrated her 100th CBL game with a thrilling overtime victory against Millicent at Horsham Basketball Stadium.
Jones-Story shot nine points in the victory with one three pointer which helped cement the Hornets a spot in the playoffs against Portland, and the day before against Warrnambool, shot 10 points.
The ever reliable Jones-Story has played for 10 years and said she was very proud to be the first Hornets female player to reach the milestone.
"I played all my juniors at Horsham and I have played all but one year in the CBL and I am very proud of this achievement," she said.
"I had my family and friends there and with my close team-mates, to top it off with a win was pretty cool and it was a great night to remember."
Jones-Story said that playing alongside her partner, Olivia, coupled with close team-mates since 2014, Emalie and Maddison Iredell, and Jess Cannane, as well as friend and coach Rebecca McIntyre was extra special.
"Olivia and I are big role models, especially for the girls, not only in basketball but netball as well, so to have her alongside me was very special. My family took a lot of photos," she said.
When asked what the highlight of her career has been, Jones-Story pointed out the 2014 championship win against Portland.
"You always strive for premierships and we managed to win one that year which was brilliant," she said.
The friendships she has made has also been a highlight.
"The friendships I have made over the years has been great and some of those girls are still playing now."
"I have also had many different coaches and each one brings something different and things to work on," she explained.
This season, Jones-Story has played 10 games and scored 116 points which includes nine three-pointers. Her best game was against Millicent in round five where she shot 18 points and she has shot 17 against Portland twice.
She says she prides herself more on defense.
"Last year I was named defensive player of the year," she said.
"Even though I am a shooter in netball, I love being a team player in defense.
"I believe with good defense comes good offense and I do like to shoot the occasional three pointer."
Whilst Jones-Story has achieved most things she can in basketball, another premiership will be special and the Hornets are in with a chance of achieving that in the coming weeks.
"It's hard to win championships but another one is definitely on the cards," she said.
"We have a chance against Portland next week and to have that home grand final should we make it will be huge and I am looking forward to hopefully getting that opportunity."
Jones-Story is still very much enjoying her basketball and doesn't plan to stop anytime soon.
"I am not planning on finishing anytime soon. I have a lot left," she said.
"I may also live in Ballarat but I am still going to come back for both netball and basketball."