The Good, The Bad and The Scheibs... ep.8
Week eight already and the upsets and bizarre results continue. As I write this it’s Wednesday morning and I can’t find an updated ladder on the QBL website. Yes I have tried on multiple devices to ensure it aint me. It is not me, it’s once again the governing body. I mean I have tried to watch their interviews, read their previews and recaps. Sorry can’t do it, and it’s been the same for years. I do however rely on the official site for stats and to view the ladders. Three days after the last game has been completed and they can’t update the ladder and there are box scores still incomplete! Sadly that’s about the only consistent thing for the QBL, you can count on the administration of the comp to be below par.
One team who is sitting pretty besides Townsville who managed to escape with a win over the bye to remain the only undefeated side in the comp, is Brisbane. They have swept Rocky and McKay, which is a very rare feat and not sure many sides can boast that in recent times. They had a massive win up the coast against a desperate PClips who really needed to win to have any real hope of capturing top spot in the Central pool. Now it’s no secret that I have some issues with BBI, and with my long history with the club, it does sadden me to see where the club is headed and who is leading it these days. I can hardly walk in the place anymore. However I did tip them to make the GF, and so far they are on track to accomplish this. It’s pretty simple all they have to do to make me look like a goose is win baby! 7-2 so far with really only a series against Logan to get through and they will once again be the Souths best side and a slim chance to host the first south GF in almost a decade. Honk, honk!!
So Ippy have reached 50% with three wins in a row. Well done and I suppose someone has to get the second playoff spot in the South pool. However a quick look at the non-updated ladder will show that they have beaten the four bottom teams who have a combined record of 8 wins and 26 losses. So yes they have won the games they should have, take note Toowoomba, but they have not beaten anyone even close to a winning record yet. The addition of Ben Wilson is a good one, here is a guy who puts defense and team ahead of himself. I ask myself what the hell is he doing in this side?
Once again looking at the ladder it is even more evident these days that the power is well and truly in the north. All five teams are in the top nine, with only Gladstone having a 4-5 record to be below 500. In contrast the nine south teams only have 3 teams with winning records. Has I have said before Queensland could have a really strong 8-10 team competition, but someone at BQ would have to make a hard decision, don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. I also don’t buy that a full state competition would be too expensive. I am sorry but every team has paid imports and a budget for players, so don’t throw out that line. Hell even SBL teams are paying for imports, it’s the way it is now. Time for BQ to fix this asinine comp where good teams sit and watch some horrible south team make the playoffs with a 4-12 record!
Looking ahead a couple of worthy games with big implications on pool seeding’s. First and foremost is Logan playing at BBI on Friday night. Brisbane win this one and they will be pretty much assured of finishing top of the Central pool. However Logan will know that a win here and they get Brisbane at home in the return match and top spot is up for grabs. BBI have an advantage in the back court, but Logan with Young and Baker in the front court, means Brisbane will have to rely on Dusty to defend both, because their four man
hasn’t ventured into the paint all year.
SWM visit Ippy, so this is the Forces big chance to notch up a win over a team with a winning record. If Ippy indeed win then your two top teams in the South pool will be sorted out. However SWM with a win can pretty much stich up top spot in the South pool and with their win over BBI, they would still be in with a minute chance of finishing as the top southern team. A Pirate win also keeps Old Coast and Tbar in with a faint chance to pick up second place and the playoff spot that goes with it.
The last two games worth mentioning is MacKay visiting Townsville and Cairns. Now Macktown have their first game in Cairns and they are the defending champions and they realise a win against the Marlins means they are in with a chance to make the playoffs. Cairns should be equally has desperate, they know with a win they will be right in the thick of things. The following night will be real tough for the Meteors as they pull into Tville to meet a Heat side rested and undefeated. I got much love for Mackay’s backcourt but they will need to be on song for them to even have a chance. I think this road trip might just signal the end of the Champs title defense.
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.
