The Good, The Bad, The Scheibs... ep. 7
Week seven just showed this is one crazy season. There were some big winners and some teams that tasted the agony of defeat. Let’s look at this week’s biggest losers first.
Rockhampton would be right at the top of the week’s biggest loser list. Sure they did enough to beat the last place Rip. But losing the final game of a two game road trip to arch rival Brisbane means Rocky’s’ chance of hosting the GF is now dead and buried. The Rocky hierarchy were quietly predicting this was one of their better teams in a few years. Sadly at 4-4 this would be one of their worst starts in years. Personally I always thought pairing Gleeson and Philp was not a good mix, and so far they have been below par. The front court of McMillan, Turner and import Gregory are all class. Rocky should still make the playoffs and if they begin to gel and can overcome their non-existent bench they still could reach another gf. (Editor's Note: Peni Nasalo is rumored to be suiting up this weekend for the Rockets)
Logan dropped their third game of the season as Cairns steam rolled the Thunder on game one of a brutal three game southern swing. Logan had no answer to the Marlins team work, and Damon Heiur reminded everyone why he is on the Taipan’s roster. Thunders Baker and Cedar both had shockers at the same time. The loss means Logan can only afford to lose one more if they want to host a final and they will probably need to sweep BBI to accomplish top spot in the Central pool.
Mackay dropped another game at home and my mail of Nick Kay replacing scape goat Wiggins was real wide of the mark. However if anyone thinks Gareth Dawson is an improvement on Wiggins, I got some beach front property in Mt Isa that you need to have a look at! This guy is New Zealand’s’ answer to Brent Wallace! Wow is there really no money left in the Sugar city, because that can be the only answer. Macktown will not take part in the postseason this year, you can bank on it!
The last biggest loser of week seven has to be the Pclips. Only two weeks ago they were undefeated and flying high. Due to a family bereavement import McAlister has missed the last two games and it shows. Page the Meehl Brothers and lone import Ferguson shot a combined 11-43. That’s not beating anyone except maybe the Rip, and on this night the Mountain men were not Rip like. The PClips better pull a rabbit out of their hat on Saturday night in a home encounter against Central pool foe Brisbane.
On to the winners and Townsville tops the list. Winning in McKay is huge and keeps the Heat as the only unbeaten side in the comp. They have the split on second place Brisbane and I know it’s early but it’s looking likely that Tville will finish top of the table.
Brisbane knocked of a sluggish Rockhampton at home to add to their narrow win against McKay last
week and they are now back in command of the Central and have an outside chance of finishing with
the league’s best record. I see Jake Davis finally had a decent game, and he was due. Touted has a
shooter he currently is shooting only 16% from three point line for the season. I also was amazed
that he and Anthony K were told not to participate at Saturday mornings Bullets trial! Really, they
played a combined 40 minutes on Saturday night. Surely having a chance to impress the cities
national league side is of more importance than a QBL game, instead they sat and watched while
EVERYONE else from QBL teams hit the floor and backed up for their games on Saturday night. Um
ok then!
SWM took it to Cairns on the Saturday night and controlled the second half despite coughing up 22 turnovers to run out comfortable winners by ten. Interestingly enough the Pirates best three players Bairstow, Vines and import McGrew all participated in the Bullets trial on Saturday morning and still starred. SWM have a stranglehold on top spot in the South pool and if they continue to gel they will be a handful for any side come seasons end.
Looking ahead to week 8 and I see fireworks a plenty on Friday night up in Gladstone when Derek Rucker leads his Logan side against his old side. Logan may need a police escort into and out of Happy Rock for this one!
The only decent game in the south is up at Buderim on Saturday night when the PClips host BBI. MDore really need to win this one if they are going to have any chance of making the playoffs. Will the import be back and will they bounce back after suffering two straight losses. Brisbane win this one and they are firmly entrenched in the driver’s seat in the Central.
If you are into Sado masochism there are plenty of games involving the leagues three bottom teams. Rip, Ippy and Tbar all play each other on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thou with Old Cast likely to drop both on the road in Rocky and Macktown, when is Pero back? That second playoff spot in the South is up for grabs and anyone of the three could snatch it with the inevitable losing record.
Disclaimer: This article was prepared or accomplished by Rob Scheibner in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the Basketball Expressions.
