Churchie, State High, Terrace and TSS all record dominant victories in round two
The early season favourites for the GPS Basketball title showed exactly why after dominant displays in round two. SEE THE RESULTS AND STANDOUT PERFORMERS
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It might only be round two but the pre-season picks for GPS basketball’s top four flexed their muscles in a big way at the weekend.
Churchie, Brisbane State High, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace and The Southport School all recorded dominant victories in the competition’s second week.
First off, in what was a fierce rivalry, Churchie dismantled Brisbane Boys’ College on their home floor with a 98-42 win.
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Led by Ethan Taafe and Kobe McDowell-White, the CJ Bruton-coached side fought off a quick start from the hosts and again showed how motivated they were to take the outright title this year.
“First road game of the season, BBC came out with a lot of energy but we were able to force them into turning the ball over due to our size and length,” Bruton said.
“Our depth was on full display again with our bench proving a handful throughout the game.
“Ethan Taafe showed his versatility in his first start of the season and Kobe McDowell-White provided the team with a big spark off the bench and showed why he’s one of the best young players in the competition.”
While last year’s joint premiers, in Gregory Terrace, battled with an improved Toowoomba Grammar School and foul trouble to key players to earn a 80-61 victory.
Terrace coach, Matthew Hamilton-Smith, said it was a solid win as playing away against Toowoomba was always a difficult challenge.
“Kabe (Cicolini) is a great coach and his team are well run. We battled foul trouble in our starting group but our depth allowed us to handle the runs Toowoomba made,” he said.
“We need to do a better job looking after the ball and finishing through contact but we are looking forward to improving this week ahead of our clash against BBC.
“Max MacKinnon and David Eltima are always strong contributors for us but a standout was Justin Sullivan, who stepped up when other front court players were in foul trouble.”
In other results, it was Brisbane State High who made arguably the biggest statement of the round, beating Ipswich Grammar School 112-58 at home.
“We were missing our leading rebounder from week one so it was an arm wrestle on the boards early,” State High coach Kris Robinson said.
“But then our guards found their rhythm and opened up the floor with their transition play and outside shooting.”
Haizyn Mellars had an impressive game for the victors with several highlight dunks while Jaco Huang was also big for the visitors.
Last but not least, The Southport School looked strong in their first outing of the season after a bye in round one after a dominant 110-67 win over St Joseph’s Nudgee College.
The results leave Churchie, Terrace and State High undefeated after two games, TSS winless after one match, Toowoomba in fifth with one win and one loss and the other teams filling out the ladder with no wins yet.
ROUND TWO WRAP:
Churchie def BBC 98-42
Brisbane State High School def IGS 112-58
TSS def St Joseph’s Nudgee College 110-67
St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace def TGS 80-61
Brisbane Grammar School: Bye