QABL - Week 7

[Boss Playa]

One third of the season has now past, I thought it'd be fun to name my All-Star side thus far, and to also grade each team on their performance to date.

Starting Five
Cam Tragardh (Northside) - Another typical bigtime season for Trigger. Money inside and a great role model for aspiring big men.

Bryan Jett (Caboolture) - Current MVP of the L, with daylight a distant second. Perhaps the most exciting player to grace our state since James Smith wrecked rims with Mackay. There is little this bloke can't do ... consistently productive in so many stat columns. Talk of an NBL gig may not be so far-fetched after all.

Thalo Green (Logan) - Back to the form he was in when he first played for Rockhampton and got noticed. Uncanny knack of getting to the line and certainly can't be accused of not giving 100%.

Mike Cedar (Townsville) - Easily the best two, with his stellar performance during Townie's three-game roadie backing up my claim. Lethal from outside.

Rhys Martin (Rockhampton) - There are plenty of good points going around at the moment, and Rhys gets my nod ... just.


Bench
Mike Kingma (Gladstone) - We all love the Wookie, and know what he's capable of. Something tells me he's in cruise mode however, and could absolutely dominate if he tried hard enough.

Dave Gurney (Toowoomba) - As predicted, getting shit done in this L after another season refining his skills with the Bullets.

Jason Aucoin (Gold Coast) - Has taken over leadership of the Lizards and putting up Zaremba-like numbers. Playing more composed thus far as to seasons past, where he's been more akin to knocking blokes around rather than worry about playing the game.

Ryan Stolberg (Ipswich) - Great to have him back playing. A consistent low post threat and effective rebounder.

Dante Sykes (Northside) - Despite his miscomings, is one of the L's finest when he's in the zone.

Troy Thomson (South West) - Playing well above his height right now, and a key factor behind the Pirates undefeated run.

Josh Darragh (Gold Coast) - Doesn't get the love he should. Unselfish player who doesn't need his shots to get involved in the game.

That's a pretty damn good team right there if you ask me! Get the three-headed coaching monster of JC-Derwin-Ace to run the whiteboard and you're sweet.


GRADINGS

Brisbane - C. Expected more with BP on board. Suffering from injuries with Barty, Hammo and now Olsen the noteables. I don't think the pending appearance of Braden will help too much. The big young blokes are coming along well but will continue to get beat by smarter opponents.

Bundaberg - D. Never expected much to begin with, and they haven't produced much. Great to now see their two imports on board, but the Bulls need much more.

Caboolture - B. Haven't set the L alight, but are doing a lot better than most predicted following the departure of Rhys and Justin. Yes Slim is having his way with everyone, but I think the presence of a healthy Rocky is helping just as much.

Cairns - C-. When was the last time we ever saw the Fish at 2 & 4??? They have obviously had their share of injuries, but still, I thought they would be standing better than where they are. I think Nello is being underplayed.

Gladstone - C-. I love Gladstone but think even they have underchieved so far. Their problem is that they have to rely heavily on Wookie/Blair/Dan and then Nagas, and then their is no productivity below that.

Gold Coast - B-. They're doing ok, but not as well as I thought. Not a fan of Szigeti as a coach and think he gets it wrong with player rotations. Let's see how Matt Zauner goes.

Ipswich - D-. Should be doing better, much better. Lloyd is playing like he did in Bundaberg and some players aren't getting along with eachother. What a nightmare for Wellings to look after.

Logan - B. Almost stole a W from Rocky, and would have done so had someone not stupidly fouled Weigh at the end of the game. Are starting to get it together after a rocky start, and it appears the main players are getting used to their adjusted roles.

Mackay - B. With Fitz goes Mackay's title aspirations. Let's not forget that Kruger is broke and is now productive as a ball of yarn. These boys will go alright for the rest of the season but I don't think they'll set the comp alight.

Maroochydore - D-. Are awful, but have to give it to them for trying. They knew the season would be all uphill, and not one of them is bitching. The Clippers have always been reasonably successful and I wonder what they will do next season to fix the situation ... possibly time to start buying in players again.

Northside - B. Could have been 100% had it not been for dropping very winnable games. Are a talented guard away from being a real force.

Rockhampton - A. Should not lose a single game this season. Is this finally the season long-suffering Rocky fans will rejoice?

South West - A+. Nobody saw this coming. 6-0 despite running the short-handed and with the smallest team in the comp. Kudos to everyone involved.

Toowoomba - C. Expected more from the Neers.

Townsville - B. Are going ok, despite having their team gutted.


I won't go in the women's side of the ledger, because I just don't find their competition interesting at all. I do want to give kudos to those associations who recognised that their teams needed help, and went out and got an import to help the locals. Gladstone, Toowoomba and South West are those that spring to mind.


This week's games ....

Rockhampton @ Cairns - Rocky by 20.

Northside @ Logan - Trigger vs Thalo will be a treat to watch. Will be tight, and I'm going with home court advantage to decide the winner. Logan by 3.

Gold Coast @ Toowoomba - Goldie with a chance to exact revenge, after being upset by Neers a few weeks back. I'm going with the upset again. Toowoomba by 5.

South West @ Ipswich - South West by 8.

Gladstone @ Maroochydore - Gladstone by 25.

Rockhampton @ Townsville - Rocky by 15.

Caboolture @ Northside - Northside will have fought hard the night before, and the Suns will be fresh. Going to be tighter than their last battle. Northside by 6.

Gladstone @ Brisbane - Brisbane's got the advantage with the guards whilst Gladstone has the power up front. If they have any sense they'll toss the ball to Wookie and Bair and let them work as much as possible. I should go with the Power but something's telling me the Caps will get it. Brisbane by 8.

Nagas looking forward to your 2 cents, always amusing.

[Unregistered]

Hey not one to rain on anyone's parade, but having seen Braden tear it up in London, the Capitals can only move forward with him on board.

The rest of the league, I leave to those who are actually on the same continent..

Peace out all.

J

[Unregistered]

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/05/29/Cairns-WebUsual-CP30MAY08P053-PJB42701-WILLIAMS53.jpg

Marlins bites NBL chance (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/05/30/4224_local-sport-news.html)
© The Cairns Post

KERRY Williams will take the first steps in pushing for an NBL development spot with the Cairns Taipans tonight when he returns to action for the Marlins in their crucial clash with Rockhampton.


Williams returned from US junior college North Idaho earlier this week and has been brought straight into the Marlins’ side for tonight’s match at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Centre.

more ...


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Napier a "revelation" for Cyclones (http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3774029)

GROWING up in South Africa, basketball was the last sport Lara Napier thought she would play when she was older. Napier, still only 16, is out to continue her impressive debut season in the QABL with the Rockhampton Hog's Breath Cafe Cyclones on their round seven northern road trip this weekend.

more ...


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Power search for consistency road (http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3774121)

YARALLA Port City Power women's coach Steve Bowden is running out of excuses in the lead-up to a road trip and two major Queensland Australian Basketball League matches. Facing a tough Maroochydore on Saturday and Brisbane on Sunday, this weekend will be a huge test for the women, who in recent matches have performed inconsistently

more ...

[Unregistered]

I won't go in the women's side of the ledger, because I just don't find their competition interesting at all. I do want to give kudos to those associations who recognised that their teams needed help, and went out and got an import to help the locals. Gladstone, Toowoomba and South West are those that spring to mind.



Although you might not be interested in the womens competition i am sure there are some people who are so I will have a crack at replicating your summary.

Starting Five

Rachel Flanagan (Flames) - Without a doubt the best true point guard running around in this competition by a country mile. Her ability to harass on the defensive end sets her appart from any other in the QABL.

Kelly Wilson (Meteorettes) - Although playing the point in Mackay this is her true position. She has kept MAckay in the position they are in almost single handidly.

Bec Haynes (Thunder) - Seems to be enjoying her change of scenery away from Districts and is consitently putting up good numbers. One of the big 3 at Logan who still have them undefeated.

Cherie Smith (Flames) - All class with the way she handles herself and the only reason her number aren't as high as some of the other bigs in the league it is because she is only playing 25 minutes a game.

Bianca Abbott (Gliders) - Is dominating inside at the moment for the Gliders using Stubbs as a great foil. She probably gets the nod over a couple of the import bigs because of better defensive efforts.

Bench

Megan Michaels (Thunder) - Running the Thunder well from the point and the best option to back up the point guard spot.

Celeste Heilbronn (Flames) - Her pure athleticism and speed make her a must for the bench. Instant intensity when she is on the floor.

Nicole Castro (Clippers) - Has returned from a college stint a much better player and great defender.

Any other Flames Guard - Take your pick from Page, Dalgleish, Dover and even Haughton. Any other team these girls would play for they would be studs.

Brittany Davis (Thunder) - Getting good numbers inside for Logan and brings good size to the team.

Rhonda Price (Mountaneers) - Shows good athleticism in the foward spot and a good ability to hit tough shots under pressure.

Ezria Parsons (Pirates) - The rebounding machine from last year is settling in now well with the Pirates. Look for big thins from her in the back end of the season.

As far as coach is concerned you could probably flip a coin between McLeod and Wrobel. I didnt consider Rohanee Cox for the team as she is only playing a handful of games.

Gradings

Time a little limited so am only going to look at the teams that i believe are in playoff contention.

Caboolture - Should have a ding dong battle with Maroochy through the season to finish top of the Central pool with none of the other teams here worthy of playing in the finals. Upset Maroochy in the first game of the season and have been competitive against most of the top teams. Saltmarsh appears to have them playing well as a team.

Cairns - I will mention them now but as far as i am concerned as soon as Rohanee Cox is picked for the olympics they are a dead duck. No backcourt to talk of and if you cant get the ball up the floor it makes it hard to score.

Gold Coast - Seemed to be rolling along ok until South West upset them last weekend adding a little bit of spice to the Southern section of the competition. Once Jade Abele finds her feet a little more i expect them to finish with Logan as the top 2 in this section.

Logan - Its amazing what happens when the profile of a program is lifted. Suddenly a WNBL feeder and the girls play with a bit of confidence. Have recruited well and seem to be rolling along without too much concern. Looking forward to their match-ups with Gold Coast and Townsville over the next couple of weeks to see how good they are.

Mackay - Wilson has this team on her back and is carrying them towards the playoffs. This is my major concern for them is that if anything happens to her they are screwed but while she is getting it done they are probably gonig to finish behind Townsville in the Northern section of the draw.

Maroochydore - Lost to Caboolture in first week, seemed to be finding their feet, then smashed by Logan last round. This young team is going to slip up occassionally but they are still good enough to play finals in Central. I tip them to finish higher than Caboolture.

Rocky - Will improve with this weeks addition of Amy Lewis. Are in a battle with Cairns for the 3rd place in the North and a playoff berth (assuming Townsville finish on top).

South West - Was last weeks win over Gold Coast an indication that this team will be the big improvers in the back end of the season or was it just a blip on the radar, i suppose we will see in the coming weeks. Brady and Parsons starting to get on the same page as the other Pirates girls. This team might be a smokey for the finals if they get there.

Townsville - Doing it easy with an average winning margin of about 35. Wrobel hasnt even been forced to play his starters extended minutes here and has simply been making sure everybody has a run. The clear favourites to go through the QABL without dropping a game.

[2 cents]

to the guy who said we were sh!t thanks no disrespect taken, i will admit like boss playa said we have underachieved but we get our other american import Iwaniki back from holidays giving us a little bit more depth so things are looking better for us... enough justification heres the odds from angolia...

Marlins v Rocky
bigfish will pumped for this home game vs the "GLAMOUR" team obviously thats based on game not looks.. if it was a catwalk cairns has this hands down with pretty boys Joel Khalu an Kurt Ahwang reppin Cairns... but alas its ball game an as much as i would like i dont think rockys streak is goin to end at the Fishtank.. $20 on Rocky
Rock 2:1 Cairns 5:1

Thunder v Wiz
big question on everyones lips is will Dante pass the ball to Trigga??? not sure if i p!ssed them off with the Sunshower line but Logan have been getting it done last few weeks.. going to be a great game, if ego's can be put in place.. im going with Wiz by 2 in quintuple overtime.. $10 on Wiz
Wiz 3:1 Logan 4:1

Neers v GC
the CS cowboys love playin at home an GC may still be feelin it from the epic battle last week.. Brown looks like his becomin productive member for neers and Gurney will be tryin to prove himself v Aucoin so im thinkin whoever wins that match up wins the game... $15 on GC in a close one
GC 3:1 Neers 5:1

Heat v Rock
Cedar killed it last week so you know he'll be gettin more attention then a hot stripper at an all boys high school, a lit fatigued from nite before this is Rockys best chance of losing so far this season.. a few things need to go right for them for it too happen but im a gambler like Willie Nelson so $2 on Tville in a very tight one...
Vile 1:1 Rocky 1.1:1

Clips v Power
the dore is only stadium in qld where they play the non-edited hip-hop more swearing n no caring an i love it... ol school south X rematch but this time we have wook an Blair n they lose a few guys... $40 on Power
Power 2:1 Clips 10:1

Ippy v SW
Pirates of the Carribean are going ridiculously well even if i did say they were going to beat lizards last week no-one thought it would be in quad OT.. Ippy on the other hand seem to be on the other end of the scale... $40 on SW
SW 2:1 Ippy 7:1

Caps v Power
who's the new guy Caps have brought in from the land of bad fish an chips an worse beaches... both teams have been as consistent as month old Milk but lucky for us we have the cream...y white albino giant... first road trip for the year for power its going to be huge road trip home i feel sorry for the driver an other sober people who have to listen to my singing... $50 on Power
Power 2:1 Caps 5:1

Wiz v Suns
big match-ups with a battle of the Gun vs fighter plane n Sykes v Rocky on the last game of the weekend... suns are fresh an flying high, Wiz could be either up there with them or facing a few personalty issues... Jett is leading the charge but no-one said much about a Healthy Rocky playing which is a big reason Suns are goin as well as they r if Rocky can win some Cash on the Trotters on Saturday i think he can get the suns over the line in this one by 3pts... $5 on Suns
Suns 2:1 Wiz 3:1

all bets this week are in Kwanzas an can be placed in a bottle and thrown into nearest ocean/river...

[Unregistered]

In response to boss playa. Have you heard of a guy called Scott Cook?

[Unregistered]

One third of the season has now past, I thought it'd be fun to name my All-Star side thus far, and to also grade each team on their performance to date.

Starting Five
Cam Tragardh (Northside) - Another typical bigtime season for Trigger. Money inside and a great role model for aspiring big men.

Bryan Jett (Caboolture) - Current MVP of the L, with daylight a distant second. Perhaps the most exciting player to grace our state since James Smith wrecked rims with Mackay. There is little this bloke can't do ... consistently productive in so many stat columns. Talk of an NBL gig may not be so far-fetched after all.

Thalo Green (Logan) - Back to the form he was in when he first played for Rockhampton and got noticed. Uncanny knack of getting to the line and certainly can't be accused of not giving 100%.

Mike Cedar (Townsville) - Easily the best two, with his stellar performance during Townie's three-game roadie backing up my claim. Lethal from outside.

Rhys Martin (Rockhampton) - There are plenty of good points going around at the moment, and Rhys gets my nod ... just.


Bench
Mike Kingma (Gladstone) - We all love the Wookie, and know what he's capable of. Something tells me he's in cruise mode however, and could absolutely dominate if he tried hard enough.

Dave Gurney (Toowoomba) - As predicted, getting shit done in this L after another season refining his skills with the Bullets.

Jason Aucoin (Gold Coast) - Has taken over leadership of the Lizards and putting up Zaremba-like numbers. Playing more composed thus far as to seasons past, where he's been more akin to knocking blokes around rather than worry about playing the game.

Ryan Stolberg (Ipswich) - Great to have him back playing. A consistent low post threat and effective rebounder.

Dante Sykes (Northside) - Despite his miscomings, is one of the L's finest when he's in the zone.

Troy Thomson (South West) - Playing well above his height right now, and a key factor behind the Pirates undefeated run.

Josh Darragh (Gold Coast) - Doesn't get the love he should. Unselfish player who doesn't need his shots to get involved in the game.

That's a pretty damn good team right there if you ask me! Get the three-headed coaching monster of JC-Derwin-Ace to run the whiteboard and you're sweet.


GRADINGS

Brisbane - C. Expected more with BP on board. Suffering from injuries with Barty, Hammo and now Olsen the noteables. I don't think the pending appearance of Braden will help too much. The big young blokes are coming along well but will continue to get beat by smarter opponents.

Bundaberg - D. Never expected much to begin with, and they haven't produced much. Great to now see their two imports on board, but the Bulls need much more.

Caboolture - B. Haven't set the L alight, but are doing a lot better than most predicted following the departure of Rhys and Justin. Yes Slim is having his way with everyone, but I think the presence of a healthy Rocky is helping just as much.

Cairns - C-. When was the last time we ever saw the Fish at 2 & 4??? They have obviously had their share of injuries, but still, I thought they would be standing better than where they are. I think Nello is being underplayed.

Gladstone - C-. I love Gladstone but think even they have underchieved so far. Their problem is that they have to rely heavily on Wookie/Blair/Dan and then Nagas, and then their is no productivity below that.

Gold Coast - B-. They're doing ok, but not as well as I thought. Not a fan of Szigeti as a coach and think he gets it wrong with player rotations. Let's see how Matt Zauner goes.

Ipswich - D-. Should be doing better, much better. Lloyd is playing like he did in Bundaberg and some players aren't getting along with eachother. What a nightmare for Wellings to look after.

Logan - B. Almost stole a W from Rocky, and would have done so had someone not stupidly fouled Weigh at the end of the game. Are starting to get it together after a rocky start, and it appears the main players are getting used to their adjusted roles.

Mackay - B. With Fitz goes Mackay's title aspirations. Let's not forget that Kruger is broke and is now productive as a ball of yarn. These boys will go alright for the rest of the season but I don't think they'll set the comp alight.

Maroochydore - D-. Are awful, but have to give it to them for trying. They knew the season would be all uphill, and not one of them is bitching. The Clippers have always been reasonably successful and I wonder what they will do next season to fix the situation ... possibly time to start buying in players again.

Northside - B. Could have been 100% had it not been for dropping very winnable games. Are a talented guard away from being a real force.

Rockhampton - A. Should not lose a single game this season. Is this finally the season long-suffering Rocky fans will rejoice?

South West - A+. Nobody saw this coming. 6-0 despite running the short-handed and with the smallest team in the comp. Kudos to everyone involved.

Toowoomba - C. Expected more from the Neers.

Townsville - B. Are going ok, despite having their team gutted.


I won't go in the women's side of the ledger, because I just don't find their competition interesting at all. I do want to give kudos to those associations who recognised that their teams needed help, and went out and got an import to help the locals. Gladstone, Toowoomba and South West are those that spring to mind.


This week's games ....

Rockhampton @ Cairns - Rocky by 20.

Northside @ Logan - Trigger vs Thalo will be a treat to watch. Will be tight, and I'm going with home court advantage to decide the winner. Logan by 3.

Gold Coast @ Toowoomba - Goldie with a chance to exact revenge, after being upset by Neers a few weeks back. I'm going with the upset again. Toowoomba by 5.

South West @ Ipswich - South West by 8.

Gladstone @ Maroochydore - Gladstone by 25.

Rockhampton @ Townsville - Rocky by 15.

Caboolture @ Northside - Northside will have fought hard the night before, and the Suns will be fresh. Going to be tighter than their last battle. Northside by 6.

Gladstone @ Brisbane - Brisbane's got the advantage with the guards whilst Gladstone has the power up front. If they have any sense they'll toss the ball to Wookie and Bair and let them work as much as possible. I should go with the Power but something's telling me the Caps will get it. Brisbane by 8.

Nagas looking forward to your 2 cents, always amusing.



Aucoin on the bench....????
He is more valuable then Thalo. That is the only change I would make.

[Unregistered]

Heat v Rock
Cedar killed it last week so you know he'll be gettin more attention then a hot stripper at an all boys high school, a lit fatigued from nite before this is Rockys best chance of losing so far this season.. a few things need to go right for them for it too happen but im a gambler like Willie Nelson so $2 on Tville in a very tight one...
Vile 1:1 Rocky 1.1:1


didnt kenny rodgers sing the gambler?!

[2 cents]

didnt kenny rodgers sing the gambler?!

you dont think maybe he played a little poker before he made the song???

[Unregistered]

Caps v Power
who's the new guy Caps have brought in from the land of bad fish an chips an worse beaches... both teams have been as consistent as month old Milk but lucky for us we have the cream...y white albino giant... first road trip for the year for power its going to be huge road trip home i feel sorry for the driver an other sober people who have to listen to my singing... $50 on Power
Power 2:1 Caps 5:1


Braden 'The factor' Saunders will tear Gladstone a new one this weekend, mark my words he is a gun!! Good luck guarding him

[Unregistered]

http://www.roccosraiders.com/BradenProfile.html

[Unregistered]

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/austhechron/pics/Back_nm_30may08.jpg

Demise shatters dream (http://www.thechronicle.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3774141)

THE demise of the Brisbane Bullets this week has hammered the final nail in the coffin of David Gurney's NBL career.

The Toowoomba Mountaineers forward has been a member of the Bullets development program for two years but has now resigned himself to pursuing a life outside basketball.

more ...

[Unregistered]

Don't believe what you read - check the facts!!!
I'm David's sister... and trust me and anyone who knows David at all knows that this article is crap ........................
this article couldn't be further from the interview.......... the trusty Chronicle strikes again...
The interview was about the Bullets - and no-one more than David knows this was not about him!!!!!!!!!
Danielle (David's sister!!)

[Unregistered]

wow cairns by 8, I thought rocky would get that one but they dont travel well, same happened last year.

cairns seem tough at full strength, without vale

[Unregistered]

cairns seem tough at full strength, without vale

No Matty Smith yet

[JB]

Don't believe what you read - check the facts!!!
I'm David's sister... and trust me and anyone who knows David at all knows that this article is crap ........................
this article couldn't be further from the interview.......... the trusty Chronicle strikes again...
The interview was about the Bullets - and no-one more than David knows this was not about him!!!!!!!!!
Danielle (David's sister!!)

What's so crap about the article? Doesn't seem to be any bs in it.

[Unregistered]

Welcome home Kerry Williams!!!

Great game by marlins, came out got up 17 early. Rocky kept their kool and pulled it back but whenever they got back marlins went on lil runs and kept it out.

Kerry Williams at the point made a massive difference pushing the ball and taking it to the basket. Free'd up Cook to hit some outside shots. Gray also tough but got in foul trouble, Brebner hit some big shots down the stretch also.

Steve Weigh & Benny T were solid as for the Rockets and Rhys Martin had his moments..

Whoever quoted Martin as the best PG so far.. welcome back Kerry to take that off him

[Unregistered]

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/05/30/cedar.jpg

Townsville Heat to send message (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/05/31/13543_sport.html)

SHARP-shooting guard Michael Cedar says Townsville will be out to make a statement to the rest of the Queensland Australian Basketball League tonight.

With the Heat tackling high-flying Rockhampton at SeaFM Stadium, Cedar said a win would stamp Townsville as legitimate championship contenders.

After four straight victories, including three in three days last weekend, the belief that the Heat are the real deal in 2008 is growing within the camp.

more ...


http://media.thedaily.com.au/img/photos/2008/05/30/sport-large_t350.jpg

Clippers on right track for a win (http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/may/31/clippers-right-tack-win/)

He is 18, stands 193 centimetres tall and is one of the reasons the Maroochydore Clippers can win its first QABL game of 2008 tonight, even with his heavily strapped knee.

Talented guard Scott Kenny is a crucial part of the bold rebuilding process after the side lost its main weapons in John Fitzgerald and Zane Meehl.

“It was always going to be hard losing two of our top two scorers this season – now I’m probably going to have to be the main scorer which means a lot of pressure but I’m looking forward to it.”

more ...

[Unregistered]

wow cairns by 8, I thought rocky would get that one but they dont travel well, same happened last year.

Ooooh, things just got a little more interesting in Pool C...

With SW now taking the top spot there might be an extra playoff spot for the taking. Seems the GC vs Neers game tonight could have some extra incentive...

[Unregistered]

Dont get too carried away. Cairns have to make the playoffs first. Its one game. everyone knows its hard to win in cairns. Im gonna go on record and say the marlins WONT win in rocky as kerry is a different player there. Rhys IS the best pg in the L. kerry is a great player but is about as consistent as the melbourne weather, beautiful oneday average the next. No one goes through the season in the mens undefeated as we saw with the marlins (best team ive ever seen) from last year. He will make a huge difference and I personally think he will get them to the playoffs but the heat have come good and I dont know if mackay have shut up shop cause the rumour is they have signed brad williamson to replace fitz. so obviously coach king hasnt given up just yet on this season. 3 spots to go around in that pool (still think pirates will drop more than 3) rocky will be 1 the next 2 are up for grabs with meteors marlins and heat.

[Unregistered]

Looks like the rockets are human after all any news why the struggled so badly in the two games up north looks like benny t was the only shining light for the weekend. maybe they thought just showing up was enough. townsville look like real contenders this year calling ceder for MVP

[Mr bEn]

Went and saw Logan at home to the Northside Dantes tonight. Good set up there.

The posters inside billed the game as Broom vs Trigger, and both players lived up to the hype. Trigger was an absolute monster and I would imagine that he would have come close to posting 50 & 20 (haven't checked the stats yet). So many tough shots made from different positions. Broom was money inside for the Thunder, and he capped off numerous set plays with some thunderous dunks (at least 5 by my count). Also had a good number of blocks.

Game started out all Wizards, quickly darting out to a ten-point lead thanks to Trigger. Logan took a while to get into it, with Thalo being hassled by Kopittke and the others playing flat footed. Wingding and Broom got going midway through the first and the score was tight for the rest of the first period.

Second quarter was back and forth with Trigs scoring freely, and Wingding, Broom and Ammar pointing some points up. Horsecock Wilds also had a decent cameo as well. Some good d by the Wizards had them up by 12 or so at the half.

Much of the same in the third period. Logan came back and tied it at one stage, thanks again largely to play from Ding and Broom. Wizards took control in the last three minutes to put the lead back out to double digits at the last break.

After remaining strangely quiet for the duration of the game, Thalo finally got going in the last to give the team and crowd some spark. Just as soon as he was getting on a roll, the Wizards went on a huge run, led by the man himself Dante. Some good halfcourt pressure saw Logan turn the ball over at will and the lead was all of a sudden at 20 with six minutes to go. Dante hit three triples in the run, to go along with a few steals and layups.

All looked doom and gloom for the home side, but then they put on a 11-0 run of their own to worry the leaders. Lead was whittled to 7 with three minutes to go, but Shane Davis nailed three triples in the remaining time to get Northside over the line, just as things were looking worrying.

For Logan, Broom by far the best. Wingding was decent on offence, hitting some difficult angle bankers. Ammar was ok when he got his shot. Gureckis hit four or so triples but didn't do much else I thought. Thalo was VERY quiet for Thalo, leading me to think he might have been sick? Dave Wilds was ok off the bench but not much else love elswhere with Josh Knight having an off-game and Seb Aiono (first game this season) trying to find his place.

Northside - Trigger the money man, hard to fault his game. Dante had his best game thus far defensively (as did the whole team) and was pumped. I'm sure his missed fastbreak dunk still has the crowd amused. Woody did well playing Wingding and looking after the ball, although was missing offensively. SD sealed the game in the last and Diesel played decent bit-parts.

All in all a decent game to watch, and I was happy I made the effort to get out there. Well done to the Logan volunteers. (would be great to not have the music playing all game though!)

ps: Neers beat Goldie (again) and Rocky lost twice in a row .... damn!

[Veteran]

Looks like the rockets are human after all any news why the struggled so badly in the two games up north looks like benny t was the only shining light for the weekend. maybe they thought just showing up was enough. townsville look like real contenders this year calling ceder for MVP

3 players ejected in this one - Paul Scott and Richardson for Rocky, and Laterre for the Heat. All sent for pushing/fighting after rough fouls were called.

Rocky were struggling the entire game, Martin and McDade were in foul trouble early thanks to some shocking home calls, which kind of ruined the game and set the tone for the ejections to happen later on. Weigh hardly saw the ball in the first half. Mick Cedar got going early which forced Rocky into a box and 1. Townsville shot well from the 3pt line especially in the second half.

Flames dominated the Cylcones from start to finish in the women, got up by about 40.

[Unregistered]

pirates are 7-0? wow..

anyone make it to ipswich ? any thoughts?

[Unregistered]

Ipswich vs. South West was more of a defensive game as neither team shot well nor individuals. Neisler was tough for south west, as was JC's D on the bigs in the middle. Kurt looking like he wants a bit more fredom and Teys bailed SW out a few times with big 3's. Troy did not have his offensive game goin and looked worse for wear but played solid elsewhere. Ipswich threw the ball away too much to win this one, Jefferies still deserves more time and ball but always good to see him out there. Stollie was tough but spent more time whinging then playing. Ipswich playing much better than a 1-7 team and hopefully they can get it together. Tough win SW, 7-0... JC coach of the month

[Unregistered]

3 players ejected in this one - Paul Scott and Richardson for Rocky, and Laterre for the Heat. All sent for pushing/fighting after rough fouls were called.

Rocky were struggling the entire game, Martin and McDade were in foul trouble early thanks to some shocking home calls, which kind of ruined the game and set the tone for the ejections to happen later on. Weigh hardly saw the ball in the first half. Mick Cedar got going early which forced Rocky into a box and 1. Townsville shot well from the 3pt line especially in the second half.

Flames dominated the Cylcones from start to finish in the women, got up by about 40.

heat shot 7/17 from 3 in 1st half compared to 3/11 in second half....

[Unregistered]

Brisbane beat Gladstone by 45

[Unregistered]

Ipswich vs. South West was more of a defensive game as neither team shot well nor individuals. Neisler was tough for south west, as was JC's D on the bigs in the middle. Kurt looking like he wants a bit more fredom and Teys bailed SW out a few times with big 3's. Troy did not have his offensive game goin and looked worse for wear but played solid elsewhere. Ipswich threw the ball away too much to win this one, Jefferies still deserves more time and ball but always good to see him out there. Stollie was tough but spent more time whinging then playing. Ipswich playing much better than a 1-7 team and hopefully they can get it together. Tough win SW, 7-0... JC coach of the month

Talk about all star 5 votes ..... Have a look at who's on top of the league. Its no coincidecne that JC is back. He brings that toughness the young pirates are developing. Togther they are proving to be a good fit.

[Unregistered]

Brisbane beat Gladstone by 45

Alot of teams are copping a bit of stick on here, but Gladstone are massively underachieving, with Blair and Kingma in their side they should be doing much better..

They may have won two games but have a look at the games they won

Bundy without the yanks, and Maroochy by 13 when everyone else has been PUMPING them.

[Unregistered]

2 players does not make a team. Gladstone has always struggled with turnovers and a couple of big men isn't going to help with that. Yes you could say they have underachieved, but massively? I don't think so. They make just one more shot (v's Toowoomba) and they're 3-4 now instead of 2-5. Other losses:
* pumped by Rocky - no surprises there
* beaten easily by Townsville - again no surprises
* close loss to Mackay - this was a chance for a good win but I didn't really expect one. Did you?
* pumped by Brisbane half a day after playing in Maroochy. Dunno how many teams have backed up in Brissy with this sort of time frame but I know a couple of years back that Districts absolutely punished Rocky in a grand final that all expected to be a close contest. Coincidence?

[Unregistered]

Mick Shaw was outstanding for the caps yesterday. Punished a very ordinary Gladstone outfit. Caps look to be coming along well and when they get their full team on the court in the 2nd half of the season, i think they will be very tough to beat.

[Unregistered]

2 players does not make a team. Gladstone has always struggled with turnovers and a couple of big men isn't going to help with that. Yes you could say they have underachieved, but massively? I don't think so. They make just one more shot (v's Toowoomba) and they're 3-4 now instead of 2-5. Other losses:
* pumped by Rocky - no surprises there
* beaten easily by Townsville - again no surprises
* close loss to Mackay - this was a chance for a good win but I didn't really expect one. Did you?
* pumped by Brisbane half a day after playing in Maroochy. Dunno how many teams have backed up in Brissy with this sort of time frame but I know a couple of years back that Districts absolutely punished Rocky in a grand final that all expected to be a close contest. Coincidence?

are you kidding? bundy did a 3 day road trip and still beat maroochy on day 3 more convincingly than gladdy!! Come on Power you can do better! Meanwhile the Power women got their first W for the year.

[Unregistered]

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/31c1e20cd7.gif

[Unregistered]

Come on Power you can do better!

They are only one win behind the current National Champions.. :)

[Unregistered]

are you kidding? bundy did a 3 day road trip and still beat maroochy on day 3 more convincingly than gladdy!! Come on Power you can do better! Meanwhile the Power women got their first W for the year.
A win is a win. Galddy beat maroochy and so did Bundy. Dunno if the game times listed on the website are right but the Bundy Sat and Sun games are listed at 6:00PM Sat and 2:00PM Sun where the Power games were 8:00PM Sat and 2:00PM Sun. Doesn't sound like much but the extra 2 hours can make a huge difference in backing up the next day. Also helps to play the weakest team last if you want a win there.

[Unregistered]

A win is a win. Galddy beat maroochy and so did Bundy. Dunno if the game times listed on the website are right but the Bundy Sat and Sun games are listed at 6:00PM Sat and 2:00PM Sun where the Power games were 8:00PM Sat and 2:00PM Sun. Doesn't sound like much but the extra 2 hours can make a huge difference in backing up the next day. Also helps to play the weakest team last if you want a win there.

You missed my point. Im not sure gladstone would have beaten maroochy on day 3 of a road trip like bundy did, based on their performance on saturday night.

[Unregistered]

Don't believe what you read - check the facts!!!
I'm David's sister... and trust me and anyone who knows David at all knows that this article is crap ........................
this article couldn't be further from the interview.......... the trusty Chronicle strikes again...
The interview was about the Bullets - and no-one more than David knows this was not about him!!!!!!!!!
Danielle (David's sister!!)


guess it must be full of crap when everything in the article is direct quotes!
maybe it's just david who's full of crap... guess we'll just see when/if he gets contracted....

[Unregistered]

My All start team would have to be:

1. Scott Cook
2. David Gurney
3. Michael Cedar
4. Bryan Jett
5. Cameron Tragardh

Bench
Jason Aucoin
Thalo Green
Jason Cameron
Dante Sykes
Verle Williams

[Unregistered]

Here are some thoughts I have so far:

- Surprised that GC look like they may not make the finals
- Can't beleive that Carins have the record they do but I think that is going to change soon
- SW 7-0 good to see that things are looking good for them with lots of young guns stepping up
- Think Northside are looking fairly good with Cam T absolutely killing it, my pick for MVP so far
- Hope that Maroochydore get a win soon
- I think that the 6-11 import from Toowoomba needs to improve his numbers from about 13 points a game
- Even though Rocky dropped 2 games last weekend still think that they are favourites.

[Unregistered]

You missed my point. Im not sure gladstone would have beaten maroochy on day 3 of a road trip like bundy did, based on their performance on saturday night.
Your point means squat if you're using comparisons like that to back it up. I'm pretty sure that nobody has ever been able to prove the old "team A is better than Team B because Team A beat Team C but Team B did not" theory. Likewise, you can't compare 2 different road trips with 2 different schedules (teams, times, travel arrangements, etc) with any kind of accuracy. Teams do not play at exactly the same level every game you know. Just ask Rocky.

[Sly_VY]

Here are some thoughts I have so far:


- Hope that Maroochydore get a win soon


Mee too!

[Unregistered]

logan only beat maroochydore by 18, then beat caloundra,

do you think they would have lost if they played caloundra first?

I dont think so!

gladdy got the job done. player coach is always going to be tough, I dont like the idea unless there is good assistant coaches

[Unregistered]

Your point means squat if you're using comparisons like that to back it up. I'm pretty sure that nobody has ever been able to prove the old "team A is better than Team B because Team A beat Team C but Team B did not" theory. Likewise, you can't compare 2 different road trips with 2 different schedules (teams, times, travel arrangements, etc) with any kind of accuracy. Teams do not play at exactly the same level every game you know. Just ask Rocky.

Does anyone else out there think that gladstone had a hard road trip? Playing bottom of the ladder Maroochy and then Caps next day? There are much harder road trips in the draw. Good luck to them if they think that playing maroochy saturday night is part of the reason they got flogged by caps on sunday. Maroochy game should have been nothing more then a warm up for them, if they are serious contenders this season.

[Unregistered]

I think everyone should leave Gladstone alone. It is obviously tough for the ex cross teams to compete with the larger centres. The depth just isn't there and unless they throw in a big time import that does it all (jett) then they will struggle. It is happening with Ipswich, maroochy and Gladdy. Don't see the point in bagging them every five minutes.

[Unregistered]

gladstone would be the smallest club in the comp (population) it is a working town of about 30,000. the coaching and development is not available and it will progress to get better, but the culture needs to be changed to a winning culture, they have 2 wins this year and that was there total for the season last year, so under achieveing is far from correct.

Stay possitive gladstone!

[Unregistered]

My All start team would have to be:

1. Scott Cook
2. David Gurney
3. Michael Cedar
4. Bryan Jett
5. Cameron Tragardh

Bench
Jason Aucoin
Thalo Green
Jason Cameron
Dante Sykes
Verle Williams


not one rocky player in the team are you serious? steve weigh is a greta defender and I would have him over gurney for sure! verle?

[Unregistered]

maroochy will get a win this weekend. if kenny plays the way he did against gladdy.

[Unregistered]

maroochy will get a win this weekend. if kenny plays the way he did against gladdy.


against brisbane at auchenflower that will be tough, brisbane got to many good guards for maroochydore to get them,

there only chances would be bundy or possibly towoomba, I feel for them they have to do cairns townsville trip this year,

[Unregistered]

maroochy will get a win this weekend. if kenny plays the way he did against gladdy.

Stop smoking crack... I'm putting the line at caps -44.5 points.

[Unregistered]

Damn! Gladdy boys copping some flack... Maroochy boys aint getting much love either. I think they could get a couple of wins by the time finals roll around. I was at the last two games and there is a definate turn around in some aspects of their game. Scoring is still a little low but seemed to keep Logan and Gladdy to a reasonable amount of points. Hate to think how much Gladdy would be copping it if Maroochy coach left the same squad that started the third and that dragged them back to 4 points actually stuck with it and won. Same in the Logan game actually, got them back within about 6 or 8 in the third or early fourth only to let them pull away again. Not sure bout the Caps game this week but hope the boys can get up a couple times, they are working hard with no reward so far. The game was worth it just to see Nagas loose his cool with some of the Maroochy rookies, think he even got a tech or flagrent or something at the end for throwing someone to the ground on a hard foul!? Celtics in 7 games... sorry kobe, you got mvp but no jewellery for you this year!

[Unregistered]

Good luck to the Clippers with that Northern trip...

How strange is the northern pool...

Mackay beat Cairns at home then the Fish return the favour...
Townsville just get over the Meteors at home...
Rocky smash Mackay at home...
Rocky head north undefeated and return battered and bruised...

Safe to say Mackay are done with... Townsville and Rockhampton are in I'd think although Rowan Gray and Kerry Williams might be what the Marlins need.

Let's have some fun and have a theoretical North v South All-Star game...
Here are some names...
NORTH: Scott Cook, Dean Brebner, Matt Smith, Kerry Williams, Rowan Gray, Michael Cedar, Andrew Godwin, Chris Cedar, John Fitzgerald, Colin Oriard, Zane Meehl, Deba George, Grant Kruger, Ryan McDade, Sarunas Dumbliauskas, Stephen Weigh, Ben Thompson, Rhys Martin, Blair Smith, Michael Kingma... SOUTH: Cameron Tregardh, Dante Sykes, Bryan Jett, Michael O'Neill, Simon Taylor, Brendan Beak, Thalo Green, Jason Cameron, Brendan Teys, Clyde Ellis, Jay Andersen, Luke Cann, Steve Broom, Dave Gurney... Forgive me if I missed names, just threw them out there

[2 cents]

The game was worth it just to see Nagas loose his cool with some of the Maroochy rookies, think he even got a tech or flagrent or something at the end for throwing someone to the ground on a hard foul!?

was worth reading to see how much you actually watched the game, i hit his arms as he went for a lay-up thought i got some ball but refs thought it was a little to hard but its all good these things happen i guess..

i hope the clips do get a win soon they played hard an was a good game im just glad it wasnt against us.. u obviously expect ppl to come on here n bag ya wen ur not winnin i dont think we'r expected to win the whole thing just yet, but im sure there a few more wins in store for us this season...

feel sorry for whoever is playin rocky this weekend...

[Unregistered]

Safe to say Mackay are done with...

Not if Drew Williamson has signed for the rest of the year... ;)

[Squawky]

Good luck to the Clippers with that Northern trip...

How strange is the northern pool...

Mackay beat Cairns at home then the Fish return the favour...
Townsville just get over the Meteors at home...
Rocky smash Mackay at home...
Rocky head north undefeated and return battered and bruised...

Safe to say Mackay are done with...

Hot Tip: Mackay to get new recruit to fill the vacancy left by the injury of fitzgerald.... Who could it be?!

[pip]

Not if Drew Williamson has signed for the rest of the year... ;)

i think you'll find that its brad williamson mate not drew.
and there is some rumor that he may be in discussion with another
northern conference team as well

[Unregistered]

i think you'll find that its brad williamson mate not drew.

Yeah, that's what I meant. :)

[Fly]

Not 100% sure but I thought that the only way to change clubs part way through the season was in the first 60 days of competition starting. Competition started 29th Feb.

B rad was still playing after that 60 day period had passed. Like I said not 100% sure if there is another way of allowing him to transfer after that date. Maybe Drew is more of a chance than Brad....

[Unregistered]

Mackay should sign both Williamson's, Corey (homicide) Williams, William Wallace, Jason Williams (i think the guy that shot his limo driver or something in the nba), Willie Carne, Willie Maze Haze and Wilson, Tom Hanks friend on Castaway. Unstoppable.
They all pass the 60 day rule

[Unregistered]

Don't forget Carl Williams. The fatboy can bankroll the whole thing. And his missus Roberta Williams can do the mic....

[Unregistered]

Two chances of any Williamson ending up in Mackay... Buckely's and None.
Coach King's leashe has been tightened, he is not aloud to spend any more money nor is Brad Williamson heading there... He is heading to Townsville to work-out with the new Crocs guys and coaches... Told this from Crocs assistant not more than twenty minutes ago

[Unregistered]

When is nexts weeks thread going to open so we can add in our predictions?