Stattmann’s Coming-of-Age Moment Seals OT

With the Orange Army roaring behind him, Cairns-born Kody Stattmann delivered a coming-of-age performance, owning overtime to steer the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans past the JackJumpers 96-93 at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night.

In his fourth start of the season, Stattmann produced a career-best 18 points (6-12 FG) with four rebounds and two steals in a season-high 34:38.

But it was the timing and the poise that turned a strong night into a defining one. 

With the game deadlocked 84-84 at the end of regulation, Stattmann scored seven of the Taipans’ 12 overtime points and executed under pressure to help close the game at home. 

“It felt great, I haven’t really been in that position that much,” Stattmann said. 

“I just wanted to be aggressive, when I saw a gap in the defence just capitalise on it.”

That mindset was vital in a game that demanded adaptability. 

Cairns were dealt a blow when primary playmaker Andrew Andrews was ruled out, forcing the Taipans to run the offence by committee through Kyle Adnam, Lachlan Barker and Mojave King at times.

Stattmann handled short bursts as a lead guard and provided a scoring punch, settling the group when Tasmania’s pressure rose and keeping Cairns composed in the game’s heaviest moments.

The dangerous guard unleashed his full offensive arsenal, slashing to the rim with aggression and knocking down shots on the perimeter.

“When you’re feeling good and your confidence is really high, I usually take (the opportunity),” he said. 

“I just found the gaps off the on-ball screens, they were struggling with the switches (on defence). I found the lane and kept taking it.”

While Jack McVeigh’s 40-point masterpiece was the headline number, the overtime belonged to the hometown hero. As Tasmania loaded up on Cairns’ marquee scorer, space opened and Stattmann attacked decisively.

“Jack is a bucket and he bails us out a lot,” Stattmann said. 

“(My mindset) was always be ready. My confidence was high this game. I just took my opportunity and it felt good.”

It’s a familiar theme for Stattmann, whose season has required him to be ready for shifting responsibilities. With injuries forcing constant reshuffles. 

“I’m just trying to be as consistent as I can every time I get on the court,” he said. 

“Whether that’s playing at the 1, 2 or the 3, doing my best wherever I can on the court to help the team win and staying ready. You’re never sure what kind of position you’re going to get thrown into.”

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde praised the sharpshooters’ performance. 

“Credit to him, he’s probably, unfairly in some situations, had to go through the fire to come out the other side,” Forde said.

“(Injuries) provide opportunities. I’ve always been big on the idea that I won’t hold your hand through the process, but if you’re one to step up to the occasion, I will play you. Credit to (Stattmann), he’s had to take his lumps here and previously, but if he keeps stringing performances like this together on a regular basis, we’ve still got five games left. The mindset should be now to keep going with this.”

For Stattmann, pulling it off at home with the Orange Army roaring behind him carried extra weight.

“The fans are great, the best fans in the league,” he said. 

“We haven’t won that much this year, yet we always have a full crowd showing up every game and supporting us. It’s great to have them there loud, especially when the calls aren’t going our way and it’s a close game. We love that.”.

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans return home for their final game at the Cairns Convention Centre, taking on Melbourne United on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30pm. Grab your tickets HERE