Basketball Qld QSL1 grand final coaches share what made their team into title contenders

Four teams are just one win away from a championship now each coach shares the moments they believe defined their team.

After more than seven months of hard work, it all comes down to this.

Two new Basketball Queensland QSL Division 1 champions will be crowned on Saturday as the Brisbane Capitals host the North Gold Coast Seahawks in the men while the Seahawks will host local rivals, the Gold Coast Rollers in the women.

Both grand finals games will be livestreamed by The Courier-Mail with the women at 4.30pm and men at 7pm.

And while the championship banners will go to the best team on the day, it is the months leading up, which has shaped each side into title contenders.

We hear from each coach on the moments they think shaped their team into potential champions.

Brisbane Capitals QSL1 coach Bruce Palmer. Picture: CHRIS ISON

BRISBANE CAPITALS MEN - Coach Bruce Palmer

Record: 9 wins, 2 losses

Semi-Final Result: 74-66 win over the University of Sunshine Coast Rip

For legendary Australian basketball coach Bruce Palmer, there were two major moments he believed pushed his team to be one win away from a championship.

“We handled the adversity of gaining players who were lost to injury and losing a key player to injury throughout the season,” he said.

“This has always an invested group of young men, who pride themselves on getting better every day.

“They embrace the ‘next man up’ mentality and do so every practice.”

And while Palmer is easily he highest credentialed coach in the competition, he said it was the addition of a former Brisbane Bullet to his coaching staff which has made a significant impact on the team.

“More than anything, the addition of Steve McLeod to the coaching staff has had the biggest impact,” Palmer said.

“Steve is a very good coach and pays great attention to detail. He takes our scout team during practice and gives individual and team positive instruction and praise, he’s been a huge help.”

North Gold Coast Seahawks men's coach Jordan Mullan.

NORTH GOLD COAST SEAHAWKS MEN - Coach Jordan Mullan

Record: 9 wins, 3 losses

Semi-Final Result: 123-87 win over the Gold Coast Rollers

The North Gold Coast Seahawks revamped their side heading into the 2021 season as they continue to build to try and return to the top-tier competition in the NBL1 North.

Led by a former 10-year NBL veteran in Rhys Martin as well as former NBL squad member David Gurney, the Seahawks are also filled with local talent as well as some up and coming stars such as Amarco Doyle.

They go into the championship game in red-hot form after a 36-point demolition of the Gold Coast Rollers and while they are a side stacked with talent, coach Jordan Mullan believed it was a road trip without their stars which shaped their season.

“This year has been up and down for all teams but I think for us the toughest moment of the season was our road trip to Gladstone,” he said.

“We had key guys like Martin and Gurney out with injuries and it forced other guys to take on bigger roles.

“While we didn’t get the win, it forced us to do a whole heap of reflection both individually and as a group.

“From the tough lesson of the loss on the road we grew.”

North Gold Coast Seahawks women's coach Bradley Kann.

NORTH GOLD COAST SEAHAWKS WOMEN - Coach Bradley Kann

Record: 13 wins, 0 losses

Semi-Final Result: 80-55 win over the Southern Districts Spartans

This year’s North Gold Coast Seahawks women have been one of the most dominant teams in the history of the Basketball Queensland second-tier competition.

The Seahawks, who are filled with NBL1 level talent such as Courtney Willemse and Lauren Jansen, rolled through the regular season undefeated and continued that trend with a 25-point victory over the Spartans in last weekend’s semi-final.

But much like the North Gold Coast men’s team, it was a time when the Seahawks were challenged without some key players that stood out to coach Bradley Kann.

“The highlight of the season for me was when our group played the double header weekend against Toowoomba,” he said.

“We were down three starters due to injury and major illness but our team’s depth really shone through, having players really step up and contribute in all areas on the floor.

“This was by far our most difficult weekend to date and the part of our season which I was most proud of our team.

“They dominated, showing tremendous grit and toughness over the course of both games.”

Kann said his team continued to impress him all season with their level of professionalism and could not wait for a showdown with their cross-town rivals in the grand final.

“We know they will throw everything they have at us but I have the absolute confidence in the depth of our team and I know they will be up for the fight,” he said.

“We are pumped and can’t wait for the match up.”

GOLD COAST ROLLERS WOMEN - Coach Sarah Glazebrook

Record: 6 wins, 4 losses (3rd)

Semi-Final Result: 68-59 win over the Brisbane Capitals (OT)

Gold Coast Rollers women’s coach Sarah Glazebrook believes it was her team’s never-say-die attitude which has led them to a spot in this Saturday’s grand final.

And that team trait has never shined brighter than in last weekend’s semi-final, when the Rollers were able to beat the Brisbane Capitals in an overtime thriller at Auchenflower Stadium to progress to the last game of the season.

Ahead of a clash with their undefeated cross-town rivals, Glazebrook said her young side was ready to give it everything.

“I think the fact that our team just never gives up is what stands out to me most, no matter how much we are down by, they are all hustle players and will always give 100 per cent,” she said.

“This year the team was very new and very young but the girls have really gelled together well and it’s great to see how close they have gotten on and off the court.

“I think whatever happens on Saturday will be a win for us, to be the youngest and probably the most inexperienced team in the league, the girls should be proud of being in the grand final.”