GPS 2020: The best and brightest The Southport School First V basketball players to watch this season

After playing two pre-season practice matches, including a 102-42 victory over Hillcrest Christian College last weekend, we’ve consulted the experts and compiled the top TSS First V basketball players to watch when the season kicks off this weekend. SUBSCRIBE TO READ FULL LIST

GPS sport is finally back. The Southport School sat out Round 1 of action due to a bye but are ready and rearing to tip off their season this Saturday.

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After playing two pre-season practice matches, including a 102-42 victory over Hillcrest Christian College last weekend, we’ve consulted the experts and compiled the top TSS First V basketball players to watch when the season kicks off this weekend.

Maika Shortland in action for TSS. Picture: Heidi Brinsmead

Year 12 Maika Shortland - Captain - Wing Player:

Shortland has been voted via his peers as captain in his third and final year in the TSS program. He provides leadership and voice for the group. Shortland is super competitive and a versatile player capable of playing positions one to four on the floor. Averaged 15 points per game, 4.5 assists and 10 rebounds last season.

Year 12 Nick Cross - Shooting Guard:

2020 marks Cross’s final year in the TSS basketball program and he’s the only player who’s been at TSS since Prep School.

TSS star basketball player Nick Cross. Photo by Richard Gosling.

Cross plays as a knock down three point shooter and can catch fire quick. Cross is expected to again increase output this year with more of a leadership role. A good on ball defender.

Year 12 Harry Blair - Power Forward/Centre:

TSS basketball First V team member Harry Blair in action. Picture supplied.

Blair is a former U18 NSW country squad member. His energy is infectious and averaged a double double last year in points (11) and a team high (13) rebounds per game. Expect high volume rebounding and effort plays around the basket.

Year 11 Preston Le Gassick - Point Guard:

Le Gassick, son of former NBL Rollers player Brendan, was last years First V MVP.

TSS basketball star Preston Le Gassick. Photo by Richard Gosling.

He averaged 20 points a game and four assists. Le Gassick has been voted vice-captain via peers this year and set to run the show. The point guard made his first QLD South U18 State team this year and was set to play alongside TSS teammate Lloyd McVeigh until Nationals were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Year 11 Lloyd McVeigh - Wing Player:

TSS basketball star Lloyd McVeigh. Photo by Richard Gosling.

The younger brother of current NBL star and Adelaide 36er, Jack McVeigh, McVeigh has represented QLD South at U16 and U18 levels and also was part of the Australia U17 squad in 2019. Illness prevented McVeigh from reaching his full potential at TSS last year, however he was still productive when on floor and averaged 19 points per game and 10 rebounds.

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Year 10 Billy Rigby - Wing Player:

Rigby can play multiple positions on the floor. He averaged six points and two rebounds a game last year and is set to push for a starting position in 2020. Rigby is expected to take on expand a more significant role in 2020. He never takes a backwards step and will become a key defensive player during GPS season.