Finals day: Canterbury College and St James College win QISSN 2023, every star player revealed
The 2023 QISSN carnival is done and dusted, with Canterbury College (girls) and St James College (Boys) taking the grand prizes for the second year running. See the full list of top performers from the week.
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The annual QISSN carnival is done and dusted for 2023 and the results are in.
Canterbury College beat Somerset College (37-30) for the girls grand final for the second year in-a-row.
Meanwhile in the boys division, it was host school St James College who reigned over Carmel College by just one point to win 27-26.
From Robina to Brisbane, Noosa to Emerald and beyond, check out the full list of best players from this week.
Thomas Hallam
Mt Maria College
Hallam was a favourite among the crowd during Mt Maria’s close grand final. As goal defence, he boasts patience with the ball and doesn’t force the pass. Instead, he is able to read his attackers on transition and delivers a safe, powerful long ball that gets things moving. Hallam then sticks around to offer a reset when needed.
Toby Railz
Mt Maria College
An encouraging teammate who can direct his shooters in tight situations. His feeds are top notch. To top it off, Railz’s transition from attack to defence on the wings is seamless and exemplary.
Cooper Bellantoni
Mt Maria College
Co-captain of Mt Maria, Bellantoni tracks his player from the get-go whether it be the centre pass or transition. As goal defence, he is able to keep his eyes on the ball while knowing where his goal attack is at all times. It’s a skill many struggle with.
Max Wilson
Xavier Catholic College
Wilson is a clear team player who isn’t afraid to shoot under pressure or over hands. He sets up nicely for a drive as goal attack and refrains from running into his goal shooter’s territory in the circle.
Adam Wylie
Xavier Catholic College
Wylie’s strength is his transition into attack after a turnover. Primarily a goal defence, he offers a quick pivot and pass while still playing safe.
Sam Brillante
Shalom College
A versatile wing defence, Brillante gets better every game. It makes him a key to Shalom’s line-up and his zippy transition is a bonus.
Hamish Nelson
Shalom College
On the other side of the mid court is Nelson, a fast and unassuming wing attack who manages to find circle edge without a problem. His ability to move through defenders gives his attacking side the upper hand to feed quickly and put their shots up.
Keenan Mullaney
Shalom College
He might not stand as tall as the others, but Mullaney is a talented goal attack with a clear head to keep himself composed during tight games. His speed gives him an advantage over many defenders, who are left on the back foot. Mullaney is also skilled on quick transition when Shalom lose possession.
Weston Giovannoni
Shalom College
Completing the Shalom attacking end in goal shooter is Giovannoni. While his percentages aren’t as high as opposition schools, is ability to create space for the goal attack is admirable. Him and Mullaney share great chemistry in the circle and boast tricky shooter-to-shooter passes.
Kai Soby-Dammann
Carmel College, Thornlands
Boasts a strong hold at the top of the circle and keeps space for a back feed. He has a good vertical jump and can bring the ball in quickly to turn and shoot with ease. It makes play look easy.
Balian Clarke
Calvary Christian College, Carbrook
As Calvary Boys captain, Clarke puts his body on the line to give his side every chance. He chases ball, contests for intercepts, and often goes for the risky but pay-off pass. He may be shorter than the pack, but Clarke knows netball.
Seth Winton
Calvary Christian College, Carbrook
At times his play looks frantic, but in wing defence Winton never gives his opposition an easy go. He attacks every pass, puts strong hands over, and boasts an impressive jump that gains plenty of ball for Calvary. If Winton can clean up on the circle, he’d be a classy all-rounder.
Matthew Horrocks
Toowoomba Anglican School
A speedy and dynamic player, Horrocks is also the captain of his team. He has impressive accuracy under pressure, especially against taller defensive hands. He also demonstrates an ability to read his fellow attackers well, whether it be feeding or shooter-to-shooter passes.
Sam Brassey
Toowoomba Anglican College
In wing attack, Brassey offers clear drives for his fellow kid courters and delivers quick feeds into the circle. He doesn’t let a physical opposition deter him, and often puts up a strong contest of his own. Brassey seems to have an endless supply of energy, making him a reliable player to have on court.
Harry Jeffs
Saint Mary’s Catholic College
His side may not be the best in the biz, but Jeffs gives 110% every time he’s on court. He puts up a strong contest, puts hands over and stays tight on his wing attack. It makes him an unassuming but dangerous player.
Harrison Baldwin
St Luke’s Anglican School
He is as tall as he is talented in the defensive circle. Baldwin has his hands over every pass and shot and is always prepped to rebound. It gives his side maximum chances to put points on. Unlike some defenders, Baldwin has the stamina to run at goal defence, with the composure to be just as effective in goal keeper.
Harrison Gray
St Luke’s Anglican School
One of four Harrison’s on the team, Gray is their go-to goal attack for good reason. He doesn’t boast the height of your typical shooter, but makes up for it with an incredible jump. What’s more, his ability to learn quickly has allowed Gray to work magic with the mid-courters, creating triangles and screens in the circle and getting the ball to post.
Joey Vella
St Luke’s Anglican School
It’s hard to stand out as a wing defence but Vella just does. He reads the play like a book and can pick intercepts out of nowhere. He’s also handy to have for the reset.
Tyrone Guce
St James College 2
A shooter with a deceiving vertical jump, Guce is an easy target for his feeders. St James like playing quick netball, so having a clear target is definitely an advantage.
Jayden Samson
St Patrick’s College Mackay
With springs in his legs and an admirable split, Samson is arguably the backbone of St Patrick’s attack. He’s speedy from the mid court to post and is able to direct his teammates where they’re needed to organise a sleek play.
Andre Robson
St James College
It’s hard to get your shots in when Robson plucks them straight out of the air. It’s no joke, his long limbs combined with perfect timing make Robson the ultimate goal keeper. His opposition shooters are forced to change to a loopy shot and avoid all lobs, or risk getting blocked. Robson completes a tall, unbeatable St James side.
Yousif Abdalla-Gamar
St James College
You don’t often see it, but dunking is second nature for this St James vice-captain. How, you ask? We’re still figuring that out. It might have something to do with his giant stature and vertical leap to match. Or perhaps it’s because he is able to land under the post every time, and gets nearly 100% of his rebounds. Either way, there isn’t much Abdalla-Gamar’s defenders can do once the ball gets to his hands.
Kaylee Tamala
Canterbury College
In goal attack Tamala runs the show. She’s fierce on the centre pass and backs it up with strong drives into the circle. The year 11 student is quick to pick on her defender’s weaknesses and knows exactly how to play alongside both a moving and mobile shooter.
Holly Comyns
Canterbury College
There’s no doubt Comyns owns the defensive circle. Her freakishly long arms and timing over the shot allows her to reject the ball from a clean three feet. On rebounds, Comyns is always first in the air. Too add to her resume, the U17 Australian squad member can also switch to goal shooter on occasion. It certainly makes for an intriguing plot twist.
Aaliyah Frescon-Sheppard
Canterbury College
Frescon-Sheppard is an athletic and consistent mid-courter with legs that can run for days. The year 11 star has already racked up several years of experience in Canterbury’s QISSN and Vicki Wilson sides along with regional and state representation. With silky prelims and explosive change of speed, it’s near impossible to keep up. Frescon-Sheppard also boasts the ability to snatch tips from anywhere on the court thanks to her elevation and timing.
Tia Crombie
Canterbury College
A veteran Canterbury netballer, Crombie once again proved why she is unstoppable. She played almost full minutes in the grand final and never faulted in her shooting. Crombie, Comyns, Frescon-Sheppard and Tamala have an established connection down the court strengthened in recent years by playing together in the Ruby series for the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.
Harmony O
Canterbury College
A new face in Canterbury’s QISSN ranks, but not new to the centre stage. 15-year-old Harmony is one of the youngest in the side and still shone under pressure. A mobile goal shooter and goal attack, she blends in nicely with Canterbury’s quick style of play, not to mention her accuracy.
Jasmine Fidow
Canterbury College
Another young gun of the side, Fidow is a wing defence specialist for Canterbury. She was often underestimated by her older opponents, some three grades above. Fidow was never flustered by the intensity through the week and instead rose to the challenge to play some of her best netball yet.
Sophia Galati
Shalom College
Galati is not afraid to shoot, which is exactly the attitude you need in carnivals like this. She puts her body on the line in the circle and avoids getting in the way of her wing attack when bringing the ball down the court.
Yasmin Mayall
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
As the captain of her side, Mayall boasts both experience and leadership. She’s been in the Queensland ranks as both an U17 and U19 player. The senior star is a key cog in the Flinders line-up.
Kirra Tappenden
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
It’s no secret Tappenden leads the charge for Matthew Flinders’ defence. Her hands over pressure is a roadblock for any shooter, not to mention her rebounding efficiency.
Saupo Toeleiu
St Peter Claver College
A Wildcats Ruby team member, Toeleiu is a powerhouse of St Peter Claver’s midcourt. She’s speedy with an uncanny ability to time her prelims and lose a player quickly.
Amarni Apelu
St Peter Claver College
A tall, strong shooter who acts as St Peter Calver’s go-to target under the post. Apelu is consistent and can hold her space well in order to receive a lob.
Tianna Apelu
St Peter Claver College
The elder sister of Amarni, Tianna mans the other end in defence. She’s a basketballer-come-netballer with an intense approach to every ball. Watch your back, no pass is safe.
Aleesa Daniel-Brown
St Margaret Mary’s College
A true star of St Margaret Mary’s line-up, Daniel-Brown shoots the lights out from anywhere. She’s not afraid to take the long bomb attempts and maintains her accuracy even under immense pressure. It’s a handy skill to have at competitions like this.
Lily Wilson
St Maria College, Mitchelton
A tall but quick shooter who isn’t afraid to move in the circle with her goal attack. With consistent accuracy under pressure, Wilson’s rebounds make her even more dangerous. She can set up a screen for her teammates and directs the ball where it’s needed.
Marly Burns
Somerset College
A zippy goal attack who can adjust depending on her defenders. Burns is able to read the play passes ahead and sets up nicely for a clean drive on the baseline.
Rio Burns
Somerset College
The twin of Marly, this Burns sister shares the same court-reading ability, but in the midcourt. It’s a handy connection to have. She boasts an unassuming change of speed and direction, allowing her to lose a defender in seconds.
Bailey D’Hotman de Villiers
Somerset College
A strong wind defence/ goal defence, this Somerset loyal is any attacker’s nightmare. She can pick off intercepts from anywhere, and has this year become a much cleaner player. D’Hotman de Villiers also engages effectively with transition when her side gains possession.
Elsa sif Sandholt
Somerset College
Sandholt is the designated holding shooter for Somerset and for good reason. Standing taller than most of her opposition, she is able to bring in ball every time and get under the post for a safe shot. What’s more, Sandholt and her teammates have enough experience together to know exactly what move comes next. She and Marley work great chemistry in the circle.
Tahlia Evans
Somerset College
To complete the full-court perfection of Somerset’s line-up is centre court Evans. A Wildcats Sapphire player, she is quick, agile and can switch to defence in an instant. She’s a handy player to have working the ball down, especially given her talent for delivering top notch feeds.
Elka Macaulay
Coomera Anglican College
No doubt a star of CAC’s ranks, Macaulay is a young natural talent and leader. She recently returned from injury and has bounced back to near top-form. Her shot accuracy and quick change of speed into the circle makes her an a-grade goal attack with the ability to don the goal shooter bib just as well.
Kaylin Van Gruenen
Downlands College
The name should sound familiar, because Van Gruenen is a Queensland and Australian junior representative. A tall goal shooter, she is an easy target for her feeders who are no doubt glad to have her under the post. Van Gruenen’s no stranger to the QISSN stage, but this year had to leave early to fly to the AIS academy in Canberra.
Emily Stapleton
Downlands College
A fellow experienced talent, Stapleton was also a teammate of Van Gruenen at the recent Queensland 16-19 years schoolgirls championships. Her defensive work is uncanny and can pester any attacker.
Haylee McAuliffe
Downlands College
Working in the circle as goal attack, McAuliffe is a vital player of the Downlands line-up. She’s able to find space between defenders, moves smoothly across the top of circle and communicates well with her feeders and fellow shooter.
Ally Haddon
Good Shepherd Catholic College
A strong mid courter with centre specialties, Haddon is the captain of her side and for good reason. Her teammates can trust she will give her everything every time. Haddon is a body-on player in defence which often earns her tricky intercepts.
Amy Wishart
Good Shepherd Catholic College
An accurate shot under pressure, Wishart offers a quick change of pace on her prelims which allows her to lose a defender in seconds. She’s speedy, agile and all the things a good netballer needs. Wishart manages to be in the right place for her feeders every time.
Ruby Rixon
Good Shepherd Catholic College
There’s a reason Rixon owns the wing attack bib, and it’s because she can be trusted to keep it safe. Her feeds are on point and she’s always ready to receive a reset. What’s more, Rixon is one step ahead of her defender when it comes to transition, meaning her team’s hard work always pays off.
Jasmine Gill
St Luke’s Anglican School, Bundaberg
The captain of St Luke’s, Gill has a special talent for making free space for herself. Whether it be on the centre pass or in the circle, she’s hard to stop. It comes down to her speed and agility in tight spaces, coupled with her accuracy under fatigue. Gill’s teammates never hesitate to pass the ball because they know she’s as reliable as it gets.
Josephine Clarke
St Luke’s Anglican School, Bundaberg
A powerhouse of St Luke’s mid court, Clarke reads the play with ease and finds the perfect drive. It makes the job easier for her shooters, who can focus on their work in the circle. Clarke pulls in every ball and can change the pace of play to favour her team.
Hannah Widderick
St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
She offers every centre pass and is usually free from defenders due to quick prelims. Widderick’s height gives her an extra advantage under the post, and she makes sure to capitalise on any opportunity. It’s no surprise she captains the St Joseph’s side.
Zyanne Bartlett
Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers
She’s an unassuming danger for Columba Catholic College with an accurate shot under fatigue in goal attack, and an uncanny ability to know exactly where her players are at all times. Bartlett is smart with the ball and knows it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to working the ball closer to the post.
M’Lea Michael
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs
A dynamic attacker who can switch between wing attack and goal attack depending on her team’s needs. Michael is athletic down the court, offering a safe pass option and delivering quick feeds to the post.
Baylee Boyd
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs
She was player of the tournament last year and has returned as Siena’s captain for 2023. The centre court star is ready for anything and never fails to make circle edge. Boyd’s feeds are impressive, with defensive skills to match any attacker she faces.
Ellie Brice
Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Noosa
A name you may recognise from around the courts in recent years, Brice is this time at Nissan Arena wearing her school colours. A dynamic player who can don the wing defence and goal defence bibs, she’s no doubt one of Good Shepherd’s most promising student athletes.
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