The Good, The Bad and The Scheibs... ep.13
Lucky week 13 it was and it was lucky for some and not so for others. The week’s big winners were SWM and Gladstone. The biggest losers were PClips, Rocky and Brisbane, I’ll expand on that one later. First off the Pirates have clinched a home final and top spot in the South pool. This side will rue early losses to Rip and Old Coast, they win those two and they are in the thick of things for the overall number one seed. However they have welcomed back SWM legend Brendan Teys and have unearthed a real stud in import T
McGrew. Toss in quality four man Jarred Bairstow and Ryan Vines is a solid floor general and their bench is slightly better than in previous years. The jury is still out on rookie coach Tate, he has been receiving mixed reviews. He’ll need to be prepared if he is to compete with the quality programs they will face in the pointy end of the season.
How about the Power adding an upset home win over the Rockets, which reverses a 41 point hiding handed out in the opening round by the Rockets over their CQ cousins. That’s simply stunning and throw in the fact that Gladstone are just playing for pride now and Rockhampton had everything to play for. Ray Willis is MVP worthy and by his mere presence he makes Gladstone legit every game. They have had major issues in the
coaching ranks and I love Rare Air Blair Smith, but he is a reluctant coach and has admirably answered the Powers call and taken over the reins. If they can find someone to take over and lead the program they could be a real power, pun intended! The GC Seahawk connection has been great for Gladstone. Their challenge will be to retain the nucleus while attracting a quality leader to run the show.
What’s the deal in Rockhampton? I know the hierarchy up there were very confident this would be one of their better sides, and they have had some crackers. This loss makes two in a row in their own pool and now their comfortable playoff spot is anything but. I see a smaller Gladstone side got 6 more Offensive boards and had 11 steals to only 2 for Rocky. The Rockets just can’t seem to put teams to the sword, maybe their defence is the issue? Whatever it is, they now have to win out to have any hope of securing a playoff game and there will be no home finals for the Rockets men this year.
SClips dropped 2 games this week, they were steam rolled by SWM at home and then lost to Brisbane at Auchenflower the following night. If Logan finish top and the PClips get in, I am saying they will give whoever they play a real run for their money. I know that may sound silly, but they have a legit roster and one of the comps most astute coaches. Warwick knows he only has to have his team firing at the right time and it’s only one game at a time. SWM would more than likely be their first round opponent and WM will own Nate Tate in a one off playoff game, and you know the Pirates are full of confidence afterthe hiding they handed out on Friday night. Might be worth a flutter if it pans out that way.
Earlier I mentioned that Brisbane despite their victory over the PClips were one of the weeks biggest losers. Odd I know but let me explain. BBI are the kid who just got dacked at the school dance. BQ pantsed them and the whole league by their predictable but imbecilic decision to make Gladstone play their washed out home game in Mackay. Now I googled the distance and this Power “home” game is actually 56 kilometres closer to Tville than Gladstone. Rumour has it that Gladstone are considering if they will just forfeit and I
am guessing BQ couldn’t be happier if that pans out. That’s what they always wanted and it costs them not one cent. However if it happens what they will have lost is far more valuable than money. They just proved that they care more about the bottom line then the actual comp they manage.
Now if I am BBI I am seething at this decision, as the whole league should be. Gladstone showed on Saturday night that they are going to have a white hot dip despite their poor record with that win over Rocky. I would give them a real chance to knock off Townsville in their house. The Heats last two games are Rip and Bundy. Now you know the Rip aint winning in Townsville and Bundy couldn’t beat an egg, let alone Townsville up there. A BBI win against Logan should give them some hope of finishing on top of the whole comp and hosting a possible GF. They got no hope now and a disgraceful decision is the main reason.
It’s time the owners of this competition, the clubs took action and got control of THEIR league back. They need to find someone with passion and vision to take over the day to day of the state’s flagship competition. Enough is enough!
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.
