NGC Seahawks host rivals Gold Coast Rollers in top four Basketball Qld QSL1 clash

It’s a battle of top four teams as the North Gold Coast Seahawks host the local derby match against the Gold Coast Rollers in the Basketball Queensland QSL1 game of the week. WATCH THE REPLAYS

There’s enough spice to this local derby clash already but add to it that both the North Gold Coast Seahawks and Gold Coast Rollers teams sit in the top four and this week’s Basketball Queensland QSL1 game of the week is set to be a blockbuster.

The Seahawks, who are undefeated at the top of the ladder in the women and third in the men, will host the Rollers, who are second in the men and fourth in the women, on Saturday night at Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium.

And we head into the second derby round with the scores all even as North Gold Coast won the women’s clash last time around while the Rollers upset the star-studded Seahawks.

Lauren Jansen of the North Gold Coast Seahawks. Picture: Jason O'Brien

In the women’s match-up, the Seahawks will be looking to build on their 10 consecutive wins to start the season and will be led by star duo Courtney Willemse (18.3 points per game) and Lauren Jansen, who averages 14 points and 14 rebounds per game.

But they will need to limit the impact of Gold Coast forward Jade Peacock, who averages 12.4 points and nine rebounds per game, as well as teammates such as Halle Brooker (13 points per game).

“Gold Coast’s ability to switch and have multiple ball handlers on the floor at all times is something which we have been preparing for this week leading into the game,” Seahawks women’s coach Bradley Kann said.

“They have great length, athleticism and speed so we will be trying to slow the tempo and attack them through with our post presence.

“The possession game will be key for us if we are to win. “

Gold Coast's Jade Peacock. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Gold Coast women’s coach Sarah Glazebrook said her team was a much better outfit than the last time the two teams met.

“We shot really poorly last time and ended up losing by 27 but hopefully we can work on our containment defence and push the ball offensively for quick transition buckets,” She said.

“We need to be able to shut down the likes of Courtney Willemse and Charlie Reece to keep her out of the paint.”

Seahawks player David Gurney. Picture: Nev Madsen

In the men’s clash, the Seahawks can leapfrog the Rollers on the ladder with a win but will need to slow down the impact of big man Joshua Leaney, who is dominating this season with just under 24 points per game and 10.2 rebounds.

Looking to rebound from a close loss to Brisbane last week, North Gold Coast will be looking for sharpshooter and former NBL squad member David Gurney, who averages more than 18 points per game to find his touch.

Both games will be livestreamed in this story with the video appearing 30 minutes before tip-off.

The women will start at 6pm followed by the men at 8pm.