Queensland players representing their state at the Under-18 National Championships are revealed
Meet the players and coaches who will be aiming to bring home a gold medal for Queensland at next month’s Basketball Australia Under-18 National Championships.
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Meet the top young Queensland basketball stars who will don the famous maroon colours in the hope of winning a national championship next month.
Athletes from as far south as the Gold Coast and as far north as Cairns will represent both Queensland North and South in the Basketball Australia Under-18 Championships in Ballarat from April 10-17.
And after claiming both the girls and boys under-16 championships in Darwin last year, a gold medal will be on the minds as the Queensland teams take on the best talent from around the country.
Basketball Queensland state performance manager, Luke Cann, said this year’s teams had a lot of potential heading into the tournament.
“We have a great mix of skill, athleticism and character,” he said.
“Many athletes have been part of the Basketball Queensland State Performance Program for a number of years, so they are well-rounded and experienced athletes.
“I think the reality is expectations are high.
“I believe we have the right attributes throughout the four teams to really push to be competitive in the latter part of the week.
“Quarterfinals and beyond, playing the right way and playing with the Queensland pride will be key indicators of groups reaching their potential.”
MEET THE PLAYERS & COACHES SET TO REPRESENT QLD
Queensland South Boys
Jalen Blanchard – Guard – Gold Coast
One of the best shooters for his age, Jalen Blanchard has improved the other areas of his game in recent years as well, helping the Gold Coast Rollers to back-to-back state championship grand final appearances.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “Representing Queensland is a big thing for me as I get to represent my state that I grew up in. I also get to represent everyone else who put on the same jersey before me. It is also special to me this year because we obviously are the only state with aboriginal art on our jerseys which is a big thing for our community.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are LeBron James as he has always been my favourite player and also probably Bradley Beal as I have always been a fan of his game.
Elijah Kamu – Forward/Centre – Gold Coast
The physical leader from the Gold Coast, Elijah Kamu also has the skills to accompany his toughness. Not only can he score from the post and dominate the paint, Kamu is also a solid defender and impressive rebounder and is a massive piece for the Queensland South team.
Nevarda Higgins – Forward – Gold Coast
A talented and versatile forward, who had an impressive recent state championships, Nevarda Higgins can play multiple positions on the floor. The Gold Coast Rollers product can shoot the ball, use his athleticism to attack the basket as well as play in the post, giving his team a weapon on both ends of the floor.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It means a lot because I’m apart of a group of boys that have what it takes to change the way that people view Queensland South as not being able to play defence.”
Basketball heroes: Kevin Durant
Tyler O’Neill – Guard – Gold Coast
One of the best defenders in the state at the guard position, Tyler O’Neill has been another big contributor to Gold Coast’s recent success and he will look to have an impressive tournament to contribute to Queensland South’s medal chances.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? It means a lot to me especially knowing that there was only 10 spots to make the Queensland south team. it means that every time I put the Queensland jersey I want to fight to be the best team in the Australia.
Basketball heroes: Scottie Pippen because he did all little things that his teammates needed him to do.
Rocco Zikarsky – Centre – Northside
A seven-foot big man, who has already been touted as an NBA talent after earning a scholarship with the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Zikarsky also helped the Wizards win the recent Queensland Under-18 Championships.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? For me to represent Queensland means a lot, being able to put on the maroon or white jersey on game day and read Queensland across the front was always a goal of mine. And recognising who can before me and who’s coming after me
Basketball heroes: “I’d say my two biggest basketball legends to me is LeBron James because of how dominant he is when he plays and how he carries himself off the court as well. My other hero is Shaquille O’Neal, his dominance back when he played was unprecedented and he’s one of my biggest idols.”
Joshua Hughes – Forward/Centre – Northside
A scholarship holder at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, Joshua Hughes gives Queensland South another seven-footer along with Rocco Zikarsky. Hughes is a mobile big man who can shoot from range as well as do work on the inside, he can also rebound the ball, create for others and defend at a high level.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “Representing Queensland to me means I have the opportunity to represent my home and family along with all the people that have had input on my life helping me get to where I am today.”
Basketball heroes: I love to watch Andrew Bogut in his early career
Lebron Brooks – Guard – Northside
Another one of the championship winners from the Northside Wizards, Lebron Brooks is one of the most competitive players you will come across. A tenacious defender who also has the offensive game to go along with it, Brooks also leads with his actions and will look to do the same at nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It means everything to me to wear the Queensland jersey, especially with the indigenous artwork, allowing me to represent my state and most importantly my family and my culture. I am a proud Queenslander and a proud Barada/Waanyi/Bidjara man.”
Basketball heroes: Michael Jordan because he is the GOAT and Patty Mills because he is a legend on and off the court, a great role model creating pathways for indigenous kids like me.
Roman Siulepa – Forward – Southern Districts
One of the strongest and most physically imposing athletes for his age in the country, Roman Siulepa has burst onto the scene over the past two years, dominating every level he has played at for both Queensland and for Southern Districts.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “To represent Queensland means a lot to me. This is because I am representing not only my state but my other backgrounds. As a Polynesian kid it’s hard knowing that not many of us make it in the basketball pathway but by working hard it allows me to take little steps like making Queensland. Putting on that jersey is not just to represent my state but to pave the way for young Polynesian athletes that aspire to not only make it in basketball but other sports to. It is extremely cool to play for a state that acknowledges the traditional owners of the land, because playing knowing that we commend those who settled here first makes basketball more than a game. It pushes me to play better and harder the next game knowing that if we win it wasn’t just for our state or family but for the traditional owners of the land.”
Basketball heroes: “My basketball hero is my mum. No my mum wasn’t very invested in basketball when she was growing up but she knows when to tell me I need to fix my attitude or rebound the ball or even be a team player. A while ago I was on the way to quitting because things weren’t going my way due my toxic attitude. At the time and everyone told me ‘no don’t quit you’re good at basketball’. My mum was the only person to tell me to quit, she actually pulled me from basketball herself because she knew I needed to change. She sat me down and told me I was the worst player in my team. I took it personal as I was probably the most talented but my attitude was my flaw and was why I couldn’t produce on the court. I spent that off season grinding and pushing myself to become a better player and come the next season when my mum recognised my attitude was fixed and I was a team player she let me play and was probably my best season yet. My mum is the reason I am the player I am to day and without her I wouldn’t be playing basketball right now.”
Joseph Wilson – Guard – Southern Districts
A talented point guard and sharpshooter from the perimeter, Joseph Wilson heads into the nationals off an impressive season with the Southern Districts Spartans, helping form a dominant combination with Roman Siulepa.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “I am very proud to represent Queensland in basketball. It is a great privilege and opportunity to play against some of the best players around Australia.”
Basketball heroes: My uncle Dan and cousins Kobe and Ethan. They showed me how to play when I was a young boy.
Amarco Doyle – Forward – North Gold Coast
Another mobile and versatile forward, who helps form an impressive front court for Queensland South, along with the likes of Siulepa, Zikarsky, Hughes and Higgins. Amarco Doyle was dominant at the recent state championships, leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “Representing Queensland means the world to me but for many reasons. Firstly it’s a great honour to represent me family, friends and association also the land as a proud indigenous person. Second is about competition, I want to challenge myself at the highest level in the country and take on the very best. Last but not least I love my teammates and coaches, just want to make them proud.”
Basketball heroes: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Coach:Michael Lake
Returning for his second year with the group, Michael Lake leads the boys with experience at NBL1 and QBL level with both the Northside Wizards and South West Metro Pirates and has been part of the Queensland South program for several years.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “Representing Queensland was a goal of mine as a player that I never got to achieve, so being able to do so as a coach and mentor to these players is pretty special and an honour that I don’t take for granted. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud to wear the maroon, knowing the expectations and standards that come with it and knowing that we represent all of Queensland South in everything we do.”
Basketball heroes: Patty Mills and Mick Downer
Assistant Coach:Kabe Cicolini
A coach with experience in the state league with the Toowoomba Mountaineers, Kabe Cicolini helps form an experienced coaching staff for the Queensland South boys.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“Representing Queensland at nationals to me signifies performing at the highest level within our country and doing so on behalf of all Queenslanders involved in our game. It is an honour to be selected to represent our state and it is our duty to play our game in a way that best honours those that have come before, are currently playing or are yet to come. The maroon jersey represents pride, toughness and a hard work mentality that is celebrated within our state.”
Basketball heroes: Brad Stevens, Geno Auriemma and Brian Goorjian
Assistant Coach:Marko Savic
An up and coming coach who led the North Gold Seahawks from a winless regular season to have a fairytale run to the top four at the recent state championships, Marko Savic will play an important role in assisting coach Michael Lake.
Queensland South Girls
Jessica Petrie – Forward – Gold Coast
The daughter of a WNBL and NBL player, Jessica Petrie will be one of the leaders of the Queensland South team, having played at the NBL1 level and also being a scholarship holder at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence. A versatile import who can put points up quickly and do her work from the inside as well as from the perimeter.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“To represent Queensland means I get to play with such a talented group of girls and even better human beings off the court and test ourselves against the best of the best.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are my parents. Both of them were professional basketball players so I grew up watching and learning the game through them.
Layla-J Cameron – Guard – Gold Coast
A smart and talented point guard who hasn’t missed a beat after returning from a serious knee injury, Layla-J Cameron, the daughter of New Zealand basketball legend, Pero Cameron helped Gold Coast claim gold at the recent state championships and will be looking to lead Queensland South to the same achievement.
Katelyn Donovan – Forward – Gold Coast
A versatile athlete who can play multiple positions on the court, Donovan has come off her best season in the junior ranks after helping Gold Coast win a state championship and also impressing for Southport at the CBSQ tournament, where she scored 50 points in one game.
Jade Peacock – Guard/Forward – Gold Coast
Another one of the Gold Coast products in the Queensland South side, Peacock can also play multiple positions and has experience in big games after winning multiple state championships with the Rollers. Peacock can make an impact on both ends of the floor and will be an important contributor for Queensland South.
Jordan Billing – Guard – Gold Coast
An athletic guard who, like most Gold Coast players in the Queensland team, has a mountain of experience in big games, Jordan Billing had an impressive state championship tournament in January and will be looking to take that form into the nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“It is really special and a privilege to represent Queensland as it means we get to play against the best girls in the country for a chance to win a gold medal for our family and friends.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are Cayla George and Patty Mills, as they are great role models for our sport both on and off the court.
Summah Hanson – Forward – Southern Districts
The daughter of a three-time Olympic medallist, Summah Hanson is making a name for herself after the talented forward earned a scholarship to the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra. With athleticism and mobility to burn, Hanson will prove a tough match-up for any opponents at the tournament.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“For me representing Queensland means a lot. I remember looking up to the girls who were in the Queensland teams before me when I was younger and wanting to be like them when I was older. Now that I’m in the Queensland teams, it means I can be a role model for the younger girls coming through now too. Also having the opportunity to represent my home state is really important to me too.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are Ezi Magbegor, Lauren Jackson and Patty Mills
Alice Dart – Guard/Forward – Southern Districts
A versatile scorer who can score in several different ways, Alice Dart comes into the nationals on the back of an impressive past season for the Southern Districts Spartans, where they finished second in the regular season as well as third in the state championships.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “To represent Queensland means everything to me. It’s the beginning of my representative career. It’s an honour to pull on the maroon jersey, only 10 get to do that. To represent my state, go away with my teammates and coaches, it’s everything I want out of basketball.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are Scotty Pippen because he epitomises everything I want to be. An understated team player with incredible skills and an absolute commitment to his team. Marianna Tolo because she’s a humble, hardworking player who always has a great attitude on court. And last but not least Kristy Wallace because she’s an athletic terrier on the court and I love how she hustles in defence. I also love how she has fought back from injury and how she plays the game.
Lulu Twidale – Guard – Southern Districts
A talented guard from the Southern Districts Spartans, who is a lights out shooter from beyond the arc. Lulu Twidale was also recently part of the Spartans NBL1 program and will be looking to have an impact for her Queensland team at nationals.
Mackenzie Auton – Guard – Logan
A tough guard who led the Logan Thunder to the top four at the state championships. A hard-nosed defender, Auton was also part of the championship winning Thunder NBL1 side last season.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It’s always a great honour to represent your state and particularly being a Queenslander. To be able to play with the best in Queensland makes you want to achieve great things for the state.”
Basketball heroes: Both Mikhaela Cann and Shyla Heal are my basketball hero’s and role models. I hope that with enough hard work and effort I can one day achieve the things they have.
Hillary Fuller – Forward – Brisbane Capitals
Another one of the versatile and athletic forwards for the Queensland South team, Hilary Fuller will be an important piece at both ends of the floor for Queensland South causing match-up problems for opponents with her size and mobility. Had an impressive season leading the Brisbane Capitals in the representative competition.
Coach:Jackie Lear
A former professional basketball player, Jackie Lear has significant experience coaching nationals after taking Queensland South to a silver medal in 2019. Lear is also the coach of the Gold Coast NBL1 women and will be looking to add another medal to her collection.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? For me representing your state is an honour. To wear the maroon and white brings with it a sense of pride and commitment to be the best you can be both on and off the court. It’s about being part of something bigger than oneself and leaving nothing left on the table, Knowing you have done your best to do Queensland proud.
Basketball heroes: Marine Johannes and Geno Auriemma
Assistant Coach:Caddie Jeffries
A rising coach with many years of experience assisting at the nationals level, Caddie Jeffries also has a long list of achievements as a head coach taking Logan Thunder teams to consecutive state championship grand finals and winning back-to-back under-20s gold medals with the Thunder. She was also an assistant coach for Logan’s NBL1 championship winning team in 2021.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“Representing Queensland to me is a huge honour, and I always feel proud to pull on the maroon and white. Coming from interstate originally, I think Queenslanders stand for being tough, proud competitors and I think our athletes do a fantastic job of demonstrating this, and it’s a pleasure to be given the opportunity to coach some of the best athletes in the country and reminding them to be proud and wear the Queensland jersey with pride.”
Basketball heroes: One of my closest basketball heroes was my Dad. He played over 400 state league games in Adelaide and then moved to coaching for over 20 years from club kids to NBL1 level and he always did it with passion and conviction but held true to his personality which I always admired. He coached right up until he was too unwell to, and his goal was always to get back on the court. He was passionate about promoting women in sport, in particularly basketball and passionate about building culture within clubs to promote locals as much as he could. Some other heroes I have are Kristen Veal. I always look up to and admire coach Geno from UConn and Coach K formally of Duke and Team USA. Lastly, all the women, but particularly the mums who are involved in high level basketball. High level basketball can be challenging, draining and time consuming and being involved in female sport can sometimes be thankless, so for all the mums whether it be playing/coaching/managing or whatever it may be, are all my heroes because I can appreciate the time, the sacrifice and the juggling act you give up to help others achieve.
Assistant Coach:Rebecca Morris
A coach who helped lead the Gold Coast to both an SQJBC championship as head coach and a state title as an assistant to Pero Cameron, Rebecca Morris is another coach with experience in big games at the junior level and forms an impressive coaching team with Lear and Jeffries.
Queensland North Boys
Max Cain – Guard/Forward – Mackay
An athletic and versatile forward who can also play the guard position, Max Cain was part of Mackay’s NBL1 North championship team and carried that experience into an impressive tournament at the state championships.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“It means everything to me as I’m not only representing my state but I’m representing my home, my family and all the people that live there.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are Paul George and Kobe Bryant.
Tyson Crees – Guard/Forward – Cairns
An athletic and high IQ guard, who can play multiple positions on the court, Crees has been a dominant player for Cairns in recent years. He is a player who can score at the basket, shoot from the perimeter and can also defend at a high level.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It is not just about representing the state, I also represent my community and family and want to make them proud with not only my playing, but also my attitude and sportsmanship.”
Basketball heroes: I really love Giannis Antetokounmpo because he dominates the floor every night and does every part of basketball.
Riley Downes – Guard – Townsville
A sharpshooter from Townsville, Riley Downes won a silver medal at under-16 nationals last year and had 10 three-pointers in one of those games. Defends in the full court and spaces the floor really well but can also get to the rim quickly.
Travis Drinnan – Forward – Cairns
A Cairns product, Travis Drinnan won a silver medal at under-16 nationals last year. Dual athlete between rugby league and basketball. Drinnan is a tough physical power forward, who does everything for the team. Undersized but defends above his size and can finish at the rim over bigger defenders.
Matthew Evans – Forward – Townsville
Matthew Evans won silver at under-18 nationals last year, where he shot 67 per cent from long range. Hardworking player who is a threat inside and out, rebounds well and defends with physicality. Led the Townsville Heat in points and rebounds in the NQJBC.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “To represent Queensland means everything to me, it’s an honour to represent my family, my friends, and all Queenslanders. It’s a privilege to be able to represent Queensland as only 20 boys and girls get selected out of the hundreds that I play against every year.”
Basketball heroes: Throughout my juniors, obviously everyone has heroes within the sport. However, the people that I saw as heroes were definitely my coach, Rodney Anderson who taught me almost everything I know.
Mitchell Kuhl – Forward – Rockhampton
A very athletic power forward, who plays above the rim at both ends. Excellent shot blocker and rim protector and is always trying to dunk on people.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“Representing Queensland means to take pride in all I do on and off the court and conduct myself in a respectful manner. However, I am not just representing my state in an appropriate way, but I am also representing my family and where I am from. It is an honour that has been granted to me by my coaches and I must not take it for granted. Therefore, I should soak in every bit of knowledge that is presented to me, ultimately enhancing myself as a player and an individual.”
Basketball heroes: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jaylen Pitman – Guard – Cairns
A guard and Cairns product with incredible handles and ability to create his own shot but also create for others, Jaylen Pitman established himself as one of the best guards in the state over the past two years.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It means the world to me, it is such an honour to wear the maroon uniform. It’s a feel of achievement, all the hours, hard work and dedication of training all being worth it. I feel privileged with the opportunity to be a positive young indigenous role model.”
Basketball heroes: Patty Mills because he is such an inspiration. Obviously he is an amazing player but he also is so much more. He does so much for others. My other hero is Kawhi Leonard because I want to be a guard like him. He is efficient in offence and defence. I have always looked up to his defensive skills and continue to work on mine. Defending my opponents is an aspect of the game I love.
Cooper Rhodes – Forward/Centre – Gladstone
A physical and tough big man, Cooper Rhodes had an impressive season with his hometown Gladstone side and will look to bring a different aspect to Queensland North’s front line at the nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “To represent this state means a lot to me as a basketball player coming from a small town in Central Queensland. All of the hard work being put in from not only myself, but my coaches, family, teammates, and Gladstone Basketball have helped me become the best player/person I can be, to be given the chance to play for this state. I not only want to represent my state and myself, I also would like to represent every person that has had an impact on me leading up to this stage of my career. Having a chance to play with the best players in the state versing the best players in the country is an honour because many people who would love to be apart of this would do anything to be at the stage me and my teammates are in.”
Basketball heroes: My basketball hero would be retired NBA player Kobe Bryant. He has had a massive impact on basketball players and the game for a number of years. He respected the game and gave all he had in the years he played in the NBA. During my years as a player, I’ve always strived to work as hard as I can every time I step on the basketball court because of him. Now playing for my state, it has given me more drive to make sure I work my strengths and weaknesses even more to help me have an advantage against my opponents.
Ben Tweedy – Guard – Rockhampton
The son of one of the greatest coaches in Queensland state league history, Ben Tweedy is an up and coming scoring guard with a lot of potential. Has put up big numbers for Rockhampton in his junior career and will look to do the same for Queensland North at nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? Playing for North Queensland is an opportunity to represent the maroon and white, my state. To me, I am also representing the people that have helped me get to this level – my family, friends and coaches and also for younger players who are trying to make state teams.
Basketball heroes: Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Milos Teodosic, Ja Morant, and my Dad.
Lleyton Ward – Guard – Townsville
Ward’s parents both played basketball at a high level and it has rubbed off on Leighton, who is a high IQ point guard, a lefty who is very crafty creating for himself and others. Shoots the three well but has an amazing knack of finishing over bigger defenders at the rim. Defends full court and rebounds extremely well.
Coach: Rodney Anderson
A highly successful coach who led Queensland North to the silver medal last year, Rodney Anderson is a legend of the Queensland state league as well having coached Townsville to back-to-back QBL titles in 2017/18.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?Representing Queensland means everything to me, especially North Queensland. I am born and bred up here and I love seeing kids from smaller regional places make it on the big stage and show the rest of the country we are born tough. Wearing the maroon jersey is something really special.
Basketball heroes: My basketball heroes are quite diverse, my dad firstly was the person I got the love of the game from. He died the day of our quarterfinal last year but knowing he wanted me to fulfil my dream of coaching at a nationals meant I could get through that game and all the way to a silver medal. After my dad I think Patty Mills is leading the way for all Australians and that is amazing to see; I looked up to a few Townsville Suns SBL players back in the 80s as my heroes, Glenn Stump and Tony Wilson, then when Townsville got an NBL team I loved watching Rob Rose. Coaching wise, my mentors are Paul Goriss, who is from Townsville and coached me in under-14s, Trevor Gleeson, who gave me my first opportunity and a great mate, Mike Kelly who has taught me a lot on and off the court.
Assistant Coach:Cheryl Blachford
Assistant Coach: Ethan Betts
Development Coach: Breanna Anderson
Queensland North Girls
Charli Bliss – Forward/Centre – Mackay
A hard-nosed and tough centre who has been part of one of the most successful girls teams from Mackay, helping win one state championship and appear in two more state championship grand finals. Bliss is a quality defender and rebounder.
Monique Bobongie – Guard – Mackay
One of the best guards in the country, Monique Bobongie has been nothing short of dominant in every competition she has played in for Mackay and for Queensland North. The young prodigy can defend at a high level but can also put up massive numbers on the offensive end with her ability to create for herself and others and shoot from long range.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“It’s always an honour to play for Queensland and compete against the best in Australia. I feel very proud and grateful I get the opportunity to represent not only my state but my culture and family.”
Basketball heroes: Patty Mills inspires me to be great. He is a proud indigenous Australian like myself and plays with heart and passion. To see someone like Patty play at the highest level of basketball and still remain humble while always continuing to give back to his community, plays a huge role into what I aspire to be like to not only as a player but a role model for the younger indigenous Australians.
Teyahna Bond – Guard – Cairns
A talented and versatile athlete, Cairns product Teyahna Bond is another player for Queensland North who can make a big impact on both ends of the floor. Has put up some big numbers for the Dolphins in recent years.
Laycee Carter – Forward – Mackay
Another part of Mackay’s impressive run in recent years, Laycee Carter is a hardworking and smart forward who just gets the job done. Had an impressive performance in the recent state championships grand final and will look to carry that form into nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “What it means to represent Queensland is to prove the talent we have, we have always been underpinned by other states and I am honoured to be apart of the team that’s could potentially prove them wrong.”
Basketball heroes: Marianna Tolo
Andria Heard – Guard – Cairns
A dynamic guard from Cairns, Andria Heard has followed in the footsteps of her sister by representing her state. Heard is an athletic player who can create by attacking the paint and will prove to be a big piece for Queensland North at nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It’s a big deal as I get to not only represent my state by also my family and friends back home. Coming from regional Queensland I’ve played against the girls in my team for most of my rep basketball career and getting to play with them and prove that North Queensland has grit is a special thing.”
Basketball heroes: Steph Talbot
Phoebe Holmes – Guard – Mackay
One of the leaders of the Mackay group in recent years, Phoebe Holmes, just like her back-court mate Monique Bobongie, has been nothing short of dominant. Holmes has put up some massive performances in big games for the Meteorettes and is also part of the club’s NBL1 program.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“It is pretty special to be able to say you are representing Queensland. It is even more special to be in a team with people you know and work well with. Many of us in the Queensland North team know each other well and have played together for a long time. When selections are announced, you feel like the hard work, acceptance of feedback and desire to constantly improve have been worth it. You also know you need to work harder to represent your state with pride. You realise that to play for Queensland is to play for all the people who have helped you along the way.”
Basketball heroes: Lauren Nicholson because she is relentless in offence and defence and I love that she plays both equally hard. She is fit and strong and looks like she loves being on a basketball court. And also Shyla Heal because she does not let her age or her height stop her from achieving goals. Her ball handling skills and her step- back are awesome to watch and I just love how she makes the most of every opportunity and has dealt with any setback.
Brooke Jensen – Guard – Mackay
A sharpshooter who is someone opponents do not want to leave open from the three-point line, Brooke Jensen has proved to be an offensive weapon for her strong Mackay teams and will look to provide that outside threat for Queensland North at nationals.
Ashley Johnson – Centre – Cairns
A dominant force inside for the Cairns Dolphins, Ashley Johnson will provide some more toughness and physicality in the paint for Queensland North while also providing an offensive threat around the basket who can also rebound at a high level.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “What represents Queensland means to me is that I get to represent my state and be able to represent my culture.”
Basketball heroes: The person I look up to is Marianna Tolo because she is tough.
Charli Kenny – Forward – Mackay
Another hardworking and versatile forward who helped create Mackay’s impressive run in recent years, Charli Kenny is a no nonsense player who gets the job done at both ends and will be looking to bring her big game experience to nationals.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“For me to represent Queensland it means a lot. It means I get to go away and represent my state at a very high level and show how great we are. I get to go and make my family proud and my home town of Mackay proud.”
Basketball heroes: Jade Melbourne. But I would love to say the person I look up to the most is Ross Jensen. Because of the knowledge he has about the game and the way he extends that knowledge to us.
Emma Toombs – Forward – Cairns
A tough and physical combo forward who has been impressive for Cairns at junior competitions, will provide another big presence for Queensland North.
Coach: James Rapinett
After a year assisting one of the best coaches in the country in Shannon Seebohm, James Rapinet will look to bring that experience to the Queensland North team at nationals. Rapinet has years of experience at the junior and senior level.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “It is a great honour to represent Queensland, these opportunities don’t happen all the time, so I am extremely proud to be able to be able wear the maroon and represent Queensland. It’s always a great experience of team work and camaraderie on and off the floor, I love seeing and being apart of Queensland rise to the challenge and come out of the experience as better people.”
Basketball heroes: Kobe Bryant and John Calipari
Assistant Coach: Jamiey Doevendans
An assistant coach with years of experience both as an assistant and as a head coach at all levels, Doevendans will provide valuable support to Rapinet and the Queensland North side.
What does it mean to represent Queensland?“Being a passionate Queenslander it is an honour to represent my state at the highest level and to do it as a team makes it more special creating lifetime memories and friends/family.”
Basketball heroes: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan.
Assistant Coach: Julia Duroux
A former WNBL player with decades of experience in basketball both as a player and coach. Her experience will prove invaluable for Rapinet and Queensland North.
What does it mean to represent Queensland? “To represent Queensland is an honour and a privilege. To wear the Queensland colours along side a great group of athletes and coaching staff will be an experience that I cherish.”
Basketball heroes: Michael Jordan
Ward’s way the only way in Tav’s Lew Cooper Cup round 7
Taverners under 17 cricket’s round 7 reveal: Gold Coast Dolphins allrounder takes seven wickets, snares a run out and scores half century in a Player of the Round performance. See who else shone from your club here.
Pacific Youth Rugby Festival day 2 picture gallery
Picture gallery: See more than 50 images from the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival in Brisbane.