NBL1 North: The five key areas that will decide the Mackay Meteors NBL1 title quest
The Mackay Meteors are on the cusp of NBL1 glory. Discover the five key areas set to define their championship quest.
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Mackay’s men’s basketballers are within three games of ultimate glory in the form of another NBL1 North championship, in what would be a just end to a captivating season.
The Meteors have soared to a dominant 2024 campaign after they finished with a 15-2 record which secured them top spot on the ladder, and allowed them to bypass the quarterfinal.
They then dispatched Southern Districts in the semi-finals 100-90 courtesy of a strong fourth quarter to book their spot in the big dance.
Meteors captain Isaac White (32 points, five rebounds, five assists) and NBL veteran forward Todd Blanchfield (28 points and 13 rebounds) were the driving force behind the win, with both playing every second of the game.
The Meteors are now set to face off against a somewhat surprising adversary in Brisbane, who were able to get the better of both Rockhampton and Darwin in convincing fashion despite finishing fourth on the ladder with an 11-6 record.
Mackay assistant coach Nathan Arousi explained what the team needs to get right.
Preparation is key
If there is one thing Mackay’s grand final opponents in the Capitals have proven it’s that higher-ranked teams ladder-wise underestimate them at their peril.
Brisbane ran amok in the second half of their semi-final clash against a rested Darwin, and the stats suggest dominance on the interior from the Capitals was the driving force behind their success.
They put up 60 points in the paint, including a whopping 24 in the first quarter alone, and will look to NBL1 North MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Sam McDaniel to do the work on both sides of the
ball.
“We need to make sure we’re super tight defensively, they’re a physical side and it’s going to be a team effort to stop them,” Arousi said.
“They’ve got good scorers, good defenders and good size, but I think we have to also focus on our own process and know their personnel.
“We’re not going to completely stop Sam McDaniel, so it’s about doing our best against him but at the same time focusing on how we want to play.”
Patience is a virtue
Mackay showed in the first quarter of their matchup with Southern Districts that they were capable of weathering a storm as they trailed for almost the entirety of the first quarter but were able to stay within striking distance.
Brisbane proved they’re capable of going on runs in their semi-final clash, so the Meteors will need to be patient should the Capitals get out to an early lead or find their mojo in the third quarter.
“(Grand finals are) often a grind early before you settle in,” Arousi said.
“Even if they make a couple of big plays early which quiet the crowd, we have to be ready to lock-in
and go again.
“We know that if we’re in the game through three-and-a-half quarters that we can get ourselves in front when it counts.”
Learn from experience
The Meteors are fortunate to have access to a wellspring of experience and knowledge of how to play and win big games at this level, starting at the top with their head coach Joel Kahlu who led them to the promised land in 2021.
The likes of Blanchfield, Brad Rasmussen and Emmett Naar have brought a level of calmness and professionalism that only comes with plenty of experience on the big stage.
“This organisation is very professional, everything that is done here is done well,” Arousi said.
“The guys were super resilient to hold on and get the win (against Southern Districts), but we know we have to be better this week if we want to go on to win a grand final.
“Guys like Todd, Jerron (Jamerson) and others, they know what it’s like to play in front of big crowds and how to win big games.”
Lean on the crowd
Finishing top of the ladder has earned Mackay the right to home court throughout the finals series, and it’s something which Arousi said he wants his side to take full advantage of.
“First and foremost the guys are super excited for this opportunity … especially to play in front of a home crowd,” he said.
“(Mackay is) a one club town and as a result people come and support the group and in turn the players play for their supporters.
“We need that crowd to get behind us and help us get over the line … we played in front of a sold-out stadium in the semi-final and we’re expecting much the same here.”
Dynamic duo
It’s hard to look past the play of both White and Blanchfield and its significance to Mackay’s success this season.
If their semi-finals performances weren’t sufficient evidence, then their season averages really will tell the tale, as both have been among the best NBL1 North has had to offer.
White’s 24 points per game were good for fourth highest in the league, while Blanchfield’s season averages of 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, a block and 3.7 three-pointers (third highest in the league) per game makes him one of the most versatile players going around.
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