Brisbane Capitals and North Gold Coast Seahawks claim Basketball Qld QSL1 grand finals (QSL1 )

An undefeated season capped off with a dominant grand final while a young outfit took down a team filled with experience in the Basketball Queensland QSL1 grand finals. WATCH THE REPLAYS

Basketball Queensland’s QSL1 season was capped-off in perfect fashion as some star performances took centre stage during the competition’s grand finals.

First the final day of the year started with the North Gold Coast Seahawks completing an undefeated season to capture the women’s championship with a dominant 78-53 victory over local rivals, the Gold Coast Rollers.

The Seahawks flew out to an early lead, holding a 43-22 advantage at halftime and from there could not be stopped.

Courtney Willemse (20 points) and Lauren Jansen (18 points and 19 rebounds) led from the front as they had all season, while Katelyn Donovan (11 points and 11 rebounds) put in a brave effort for the Rollers.

Seahawks coach Bradley Kann said he was so happy for his players, who he believed earned every bit of the championship victory.

The North Gold Coast Seahawks women after capping-off their undefeated season with a championship. Picture: Supplied

“Gold Coast showed up and took it right at us early, turned up their physicality and aggression on the boards from past games,” he said.

“We were able to slow them in transition and take care of the basketball.

“Our focus going in was to play through the post, take care of the ball and limit transition points for them and the group was able to carry out our game plan to near perfection.

“We lost Krystle McKenzie in the first quarter which we knew was going to be a huge loss for our team but that we still had enough to get the job done.

“Over the course of the game we just had to continue to wear them down with our size and length.

“Lauren Jansen, Courtney Willemse and Charli Reece all played huge a role for us in the grand final victory.

“It was a huge relief to see the group lift the banner as a reward from the dedication and hard work from a long and grinding season filled with so many unexpected challenges due to Covid lockdowns.”

In the men’s game, it was the young Brisbane Capitals who put in arguably their most complete performance of the season to beat an experienced Seahawks side 89-77 at Auchenflower Stadium to take home the title.

Former QBL player Jacob Davis was in red-hot form for the Capitals on the offensive end, scoring 30 points including five three-pointers to be the game’s top scorer while Ethan Taafe also record 16 points to help the Capitals.

Former NBL guard Rhys Martin led the way for the Seahawks with 20 points.

Brisbane Capitals coach Bruce Palmer during his team's grand final victory. Picture: Supplied

But coach Bruce Palmer credited his side’s defensive performance as the reason for the win.

“We were pleased to get the opportunity to play North Gold Coast because they beat us twice in the regular season, they have our absolute respect,” the legendary former NBL mentor said.

“We did a good job to limit (David) Gurney’s offensive production, credit to Kieran McInerney, Sebastian Smitka and Ethan Taafe as primary defenders but everyone carried out our rules when switched on to him in both man and zone.

“Jacob Davis had a huge second half and his season high 30 points, Theron Pinker’s 10 points in 10 minutes really helped us gain the lead and Luke Mumford was very productive at both ends.

“Ethan Taafe’s 16 points and defence was his season’s best performance at the right time.

“They really locked into our MVP in Dhieu Magier and held him to eight points but Dhieu gave his teammates opportunities and once again was reliable defensively.

“Aaron Tseng made Rhys Martin work though Rhys was impressive at both ends and this was definitely one of Stefano Di Lorio and Alistair Campbell’s best defensive games.”

The Brisbane Capitals celebrating their Basketball Queensland QSL1 championship victory. Picture: Supplied

Palmer said he was thrilled for his players after they lost last year’s title and also praised the work of his coaching staff.

“I speak for everyone in thanking the BBI (Brisbane Basketball) board, management, sponsors and supporters, this is a great club,” he said.

“Personally I thank Fred and Pam Van Dongen, who never missed a game.

“Fred is the tradition of BBI and I’m very proud to deliver another championship to honour all that Fred has done for the Capitals.”