LIVE STREAM: Every region's players ready to break open the Basketball Queensland Under-18 State Championships (Under-18 State Championships)
The Basketball Queensland Under-18 State Championships will be streamed exclusively by News Corp over the next five days, and these are the young stars you shouldn’t take your eyes off.
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The best emerging ballers from across the state will descend on Gold Coast’s Sport and Leaisure Centre at Carrara for the Basketball Queensland Under-18 State Championships.
But which players will be the make or break stars for their region.
>> WATCH DAY ONE OF THE QUEENSLAND UNDER-18 STATE TITLES HERE
>> WATCH DAY TWO OF THE QUEENSLAND UNDER-18 STATE TITLES HERE
We have dissected the squad lists from all across the state, and thumbed through the hundreds of players set to attend the tournament, to pick out each region’s gamebreaker.
The tournament will run from January 12-16 and is one of the state’s biggest basketball events on the calendar.
Defending under-18 boys champions Townsville Heat have been forced to sensationally withdraw from the tournament after a major Covid scare in the team camp.
News Corp subscribers will get exclusive access to the live stream which will show all the action from the showcase court across the tournament’s five days.
These are the players you need to keep an eye on.
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS SPARTANS
ROMAN SIULEPA
One of the most athletic and physically imposing youngsters in the country, Siulepa averaged more than 26 points per game in the southeast Queensland competition, including a season-high 48-point game.
He was a member of last year’s Queensland South under-16 boys team which claimed the National Championship in Darwin and will be a key for the Spartans if they are to challenge for a state title.
SUMMAH HANSON
The latest junior to earn a scholarship to the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, Summah Hanson will be one to watch at the State Championships on the Gold Coast.
Hanson is a mobile and athletic forward, who can do damage on the perimeter as well as inside the keyway and helped lead the Spartans to a grand final appearance in the SQJBC.
BRISBANE CAPITALS
AKOL AWAN
One of the best pure scorers in the under-18s age group in Queensland is Brisbane Capitals guard/forward Akol Awan. After an impressive CBSQ tournament, where he helped Jimmies to a top four spot, Awan has been in top form for the Capitals in the SQJBC Under-18s competition, averaging more than 18 points per game.
HILARY FULLER
Fuller is another one of Queensland’s many talented and athletic forwards in this age group and has been impressive with the Capitals so far this season. Following the lead from her older sisters, Adelaide and Audrey, who are both playing US college basketball, Fuller is a star of the future and comes into the state championships in form after averaging almost 20 points per game in the SQJBC.
LOGAN THUNDER
PHOENIX TREGO
An elite sharpshooter from the perimeter, Phoenix Trego is an athletic and skilful guard who can get hot from beyond the arc very quickly and has shown it for the Thunder this season. Forming a dynamic backcourt duo with his brother, Hunter, Trego helped lead the Thunder to a semi-final appearance in the SQJBC, averaging more than 20 points per game.
MACKENZIE AUTON
One of the many athletes competing in the state championships who featured in the NBL1 competition, Mackenzie Auton will be looking to lead the Thunder after being part of Logan’s NBL1 North championship team last year. Auton is a talented combo guard, who also represented Queensland South at the nationals last year.
NORTHSIDE WIZARDS
JOSHUA HUGHES
Coming back from the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence to try and help the Wizards repeat their gold medal feat from two years ago is big man Joshua Hughes. Forming a massive frontcourt with fellow seven-footer, Rocco Zikarsky, Hughes will prove a tough challenge to stop for opposing teams with his size, mobility and consistent jump shot.
ALYSSA STEYN
In an otherwise tough season for the Northside Wizards girls, Steyn has been the shining light so far this past year, leading her team in scoring and being a consistent performer across the SQJBC competition. Steyn averaged almost 15 points per game, including a 31-point game against the Titans.
CAIRNS MARLINS/DOLPHINS
JAYLEN PITMAN
A slick, free-scoring shooting guard who has been a mainstay in representative teams throughout his teenage years.
He can put up plenty of points, is strong beyond the arc, and despite his youth was part of the Marlins’ NBL1 North squad last season.
TEYAHNA BOND
One of many promising prospects coming out of the Cairns, the point guard is in the national performance program and was fully expected to be part of the Cairns Dolphins’ NBL1 North squad this upcoming season.
Strong all-rounder who can shoot just as well as she sets the table for her teammates.
GOLD COAST ROLLERS
TYLER O’NEILL
A Queensland representative at national level, O’Neil has carved himself a place in Gold Coast basketball folklore as one of the best pure point guards the region has produced in years. In an age where every player thinks they are Steph Curry putting up tough shots, Tyler is focused on making his teammates perform to the best of their abilities.
JORDAN BILLING
Jordan Billing was a dual sports star, representing her state in both lifesaving and basketball. But when she was forced to pursue one further, she chose the hardwood over the waves. She has her sights set on playing in the US College system once she graduates from Emmanuel College at the end of this year.
TOOWOOMBA MOUNTAINEERS
LAURA CONWAY
A developing bottom age player who never lacks energy or effort. A relentless threat attacking the rim off penetration – her ability to produce crafty finishes around the basket is developing. Conway leads by example in defence with her intensity and pressure.
MAX BERRY
An excellent combo guard who leads his team at both ends of the court. Berry is like a fine craftsman with the ball in hand, creating plenty of opportunities for his teammates and himself and a reliable scorer when called upon.
MACKAY METEORS/METEORETTES
MAX CAIN
The top-aged guard was a rotation option for the 2021 championship-winning Mackay Meteors in the NBL1. When given a greater role, Cain has shown the ability to put points up in bundles. He averages 20.1 points per game in Mackay’s Division One competition, leading his team to an 8-2 record in the 2021-22 season.
PHOEBE HOLMES
Holmes was unable to find any consistent floor time for the Mackay Meteorettes in the NBL1 competition, but despite her lack of minutes her production steadily increased throughout the season. She’ll provide her team a strong defensive presence, while having good court awareness and ability to score efficiently. Holmes boasts a field goal percentage of 64.3 per cent in the NBL1 competition.
SOUTH-WEST METRO PIRATES
ABASS BODIJA
A damaging player from the high post with his ability to take opposition big men off the dribble and use his athleticism to attack the basket, Abass Bodija could be a player who will provide some highlight plays across the state championships for South West. Bodija has been in good form for the Pirates this season, averaging almost 18 points per game in the SQJBC.
TOWNSVILLE FLAMES
LILY WALKER
Having trained under the reigning WNBL coach of the year, Lily Walker is ready to announce herself on the Queensland stage. Despite beginning her time on the court as a big, the rising star has become a talented guard in recent years, earning the eye of Townsville Fire coach Shannon Seebohm. Known for racking up points with ease, and blessed with strength which belies many of her rivals, Walker will hold the key to Townsville chances.
ROCKHAMPTON CYCLONES/ROCKETS
ELI WALSH
An athletic forward who is sure to be one of Rockhampton’s most influential in this tournament. A senior player, she has all the skills and will be playing a lot of minutes. A “Jill of all Trades”, she gives 110 percent every time she sets foot on court.
BEN TWEEDY
The 16-year-old point guard is ranked in the top five players in the state for his age. The young gun has just scored a two-year basketball scholarship with The Southport School on the Gold Coast where he will lead the open team in the renowned GPS schools competition. Ben’s greatest attribute is his on-court IQ - he has the ability to not only score himself but to create for his teammates. He’s an inspirational player who makes those around him better.
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