AUS/CAN - Opals hopefuls MacLeod, O'Hea Shine

MELBOURNE (Olympics) - Dandenong Rangers captain Kathleen MacLeod will arrive at the Australian Opals selection camp this month with an important distinction that may boost the guard's chances of making the Olympic squad.

MacLeod, bothered by a calf strain, scored a game-high 22 points and handed out nine assists to help fire the Rangers to a 94-70 triumph over defending champions Bulleen Boomers in the WNBL Grand Final.

The 25-year-old was named the Grand Final MVP.

MacLeod helped Australia win the 2007 FIBA Oceania Championship but hasn't become a regular in the squad.

Jenna O'Hea, who played at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women and helped the Aussies to a fifth-place finish, has solidified her role with the Opals.

She also was huge for Dandenong against Bulleen, scoring 20 points and corralling seven rebounds.

Liz Cambage, Australia's center, played for Bulleen and finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds in defeat.

Looking ahead

The first Opals pre-Olympic training camp will be held in May.

During the play-offs, O'Hea was asked about the Opals' summer.

"We're equal second at the moment (with Russia) and the Americans are first," O'Hea said.

"I think we're in the best position we can be to do as best we can at the Olympics, which is to win gold.

"I think we're looking great. We're healthy, which is a good start.

"We have a 10-week program which is having the majority of the squad back in Australia preparing together to really consolidate our team and help with our camaraderie and chemistry on the court."

Some of those battling for national team spots are going to be left disappointed because it's hard to claim a spot in the Opals squad.

"It's going to be a tough lead-up, putting girls in a close confinement vying for Olympic positions," O'Hea admitted.

"It's going to be very interesting, but we're all there for the greater cause and that's to win a gold medal."

A Canadian champion

Meanwhile, it wasn't just Australians to take center stage in the Grand Final.

A Canada international was among those to celebrate the title with Dandenong.

Krista Phillips, who will be at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women in Ankara, played 25 minutes and had 11 points and seven rebounds.

Playing Down Under this season was a very good decision.

"It's rare that you find a league that is as competitive as this and I think across the board," she said. "People have been talking all season about how close it's been."

FIBA