QBL Women Mid Season Reviews
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Brisbane (2-6): A strong schedule at the start of the season has resulted to a rough start for the Capitals. In the first eight game, four have came against the north, with a combined -107 points. Amy Lewis (20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds) and Heidi Freeburn (18.7 points and 5.9 rebounds) have been the backbone of this young Capitals team. The schedule get a lot more easier though the second part of the year with 6 central pool games to go (4 of them at home). Though that Ipswich loss is going to bite them hard. If they can get more out of Emma McKenzie and better consistency from Ashton Eaton, they aren’t written off the playoff picture, just yet.
Bundaberg (5-2): It’s the Carly Boag Show, with Carly in dominated from (26.2 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals). Quirk, Christina Boag and Kelli Page have been doing a good job supporting Carly Boag. They have had easier schedule than their pool opponents. They would need to take care of the pool opposition to secure playoff spot early as they have a tricky finish to the end of the regular season. First they have to beat Logan by 24 point or more this weekend (in case there is a tie).
Cairns (5-3): Currently in 4th position in the pool of death. New coach Mark Worthington has instil a toughness to Dolphins team that has been in dire need of it. Rachel Pryor (15.8 points, 11.1 rebounds) and Teyla Evans (15.4 points) have been impressive this season but they need more out of their import Kristina Baltic (7.4 points). Mixed schedule for the remainder with 4 north game (2 at home) followed by easier southern teams. If they can take care of the southern team and minimise their losses to 1-2 game they have a shot at playoffs
Gladstone (3-5): Have had a shocker of a 2016 season, with losses to South West (albeit with a depleted team) but they never seem to have managed to put a consistent squad. Losing depth has hurt them a lot this season, overly relying on their starting five. Markel Walker has been the pick of the players (21.7 points and 17.4 rebounds). They need a massive win streak to even come close for a playoff spot, beating their remaining north games (3 out of 4 games at Gladstone) is essential but highly improbable.
Gold Coast (5-2): Quitely achieved a 4 game winning start to the season, before a couple of hiccups against Logan and Cairns. Nadeen Payne had some monster games during the streak and has got adequate support by Brianna Moyes and Katie Rose. Would like to see more out of Biancia Abbott if they want to have a big run in the postseason. Got a tough run middle run with 3 northern teams in their next 4 games coupled with an easier run towards the end of the season. Hands on favourites to win the South pool
Ipswich (1-5): This has been a trainwreck of a season. They never seem to have a full strength team and had some games that slipped out of the reach (Gold Coast, Logan). Soana Lucet has been huge for them (24.4 points and 14.2 rebounds) but frankly need more out of import Shenneika Smith and Bree Farley. Any other team with a 1 win out of 6 games shouldn’t even contemplated a playoff spot but lucky for Ipswich they are in the pool of puss, with 5 remaining games versus Toowoomba and South West if they can take care of those games they should make playoffs.
Logan (6-2): Outside of the CQ roadtrip hiccup, Logan have been taking care of business. Kate Gaze has been huge for the Thunder (25.2 points) and got support from Mikhaela Donnelly (11.3 points) and Skye Rees (10.0 points). They have a reasonable schedule for the remainder of the season, could have a couple of tricky games (Gladstone, Bundaberg, Townsville), but i wouldn’t be surprised if Logan go undefeated for the remaining regular season.
Mackay (7-2): Easily one of the top teams in the league. Mackay have equipped themselves with a strong outside shooter (Deanna Weaver) to compliment their big’s (Wiley and Allison). Got 4 games from the north that could determine home grand final it could come to Round 13 derby game against Rockhampton in Hegvold.
Rockhampton (7-1): Defending champions has gone to a 7 game winning streak after a surprising opening loss to Gladstone. Muggeridge got that team run like a well oiled machine. Chandrea Jones (20.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists) is one of the best all round players in the league and Shanavia Dowdell (22.6 points, 9.8 rebound) has made a strong return to Cyclones. Very tough schedule towards the backend of the regular season with Cairns,Townsville and Mackay at home and away at Gladstone. Could determine home grand
SC Phoenix (2-4): A better team than last have got better production from imports Kierra Mallard (19.3 points, 13.5 rebounds) and Katarina Flasarova (17.8 points). The rest of the squad needs improve if they want to make the Phoenix-Clippers into a legitimate playoff contender. Not going to get playoffs but should get another 3 wins this season
SC Rip (0-6) I would like to comment on this team, but according to reports I’m a misinformed person that doesn’t have a clue about basketball. But hey, good luck on your 6 to 10 win prediction! Outside of Kristen Langford (18.3 points, 9.7 rebounds) and to a lesser extend Francis Donders (12.5 points) the rest of the squad resemble a team that should be in the SBL than in the QBL. 3 out of the 6 losses have been more than 44 points They might a chance against a depleted Toowoomba but frankly can’t see their inaugural season getting any better.
SW Metro (2-5): Still can’t believe they beat Gladstone. Young team that have been reliant of Sidney Parsons (league leading 30.7 points) and Erica Carlson (14.8 points and 14.8 rebounds). Playoffs isn’t out of the question, but those young and inexperienced players that surround Parsons and Carlson need to contribute right away.
Townsville (5-2): Lost 2 of the last three. With Cayla George with Opal duties, it will come down to Natalie Novosel (26.0 points, 8.6 rebounds) and their roles players. There is talk Mia Murray might return to play for the Flames, and she could be the determining factor whether Townsville make the playoffs or not.
Toowoomba (1-6): Have been struck with injuries to Meg Essex and recently Estella Royo Torres, they could have done something more this season. The Spanish sister act have been the main factor on offense (combined for 46.3 point per game) and defense (combined 6.5 steals). They have won one game this season but if Estela can regain full fitness i can see them winning couple more games before the end of the season.EndFragment
