Midway through the QBL season, the Gold Coast Bulletin delivers its report card for the North Gold Coast Seahawks

With the QBL season now at the halfway mark, the Bulletin runs the rule over the North Gold Coast Seahawks to deliver its mid-season report card.

With the QBL season now at the halfway mark, the Bulletin runs the rule over the North Gold Coast Seahawks to deliver its mid-season report card.

Men

Ladder position: 11th

Results: Three wins, seven losses

Rating: C

It’s been a mixed bag for the Seahawks so far in 2019 but the good news is that they’ve already equalled their win tally from 2018. Despite still boasting a very young side, they have improved a lot from last year and have recruited well with the addition of Robert Linton and Brent Wallace.

The highlight

Their win against the Sunshine Coast Phoenix is a strong contender but the highlight has to be their round one win over Cairns. With the Marlins currently fifth on the ladder and claiming four more wins than the Seahawks, hindsight suggests that the Seahawks win was huge for the club. Quinton Campbell dominated with 21 points and 12 rebounds while Rob Linton impacted in his first game as captain, contributing 13 points.

Adam Tyrus instructing his Seahawks troops. Picture supplied.

The lowlight

The Seahawks were blown away by Townsville in round six. After competing with the Rollers until half time in the Coast clash the night before, the Seahawks didn’t land a punch the following night and went down by 50 points. It was a huge blowout which would have sparked some intense personal reflection.

The star

It’s hard to go past Quinton Campbell. In his second year at the Seahawks, Campbell has gone to another level. He’s been given more room to shine with the departure of Jerron Jamerson and so far has averaged 18.2 points a game (first), 6.3 rebounds (third) and has played 309 court minutes (first).

Quinton Campbell in action for the North Gold Coast Seahawks. Picture: Peni Taleni

The backbone

Robert Linton has made a big impact in his first season at the nest. His experience and leadership saw him quickly appointed captain and he has been a pillar of consistency all year for the Seahawks. He showed his ability to impact against the top teams in round three against the Brisbane Capitals, chalking up 24 points, including six 3’s, six rebounds and one assist.

Robert Linton and Casey Samuels have been the backbone of their respective sides this year. Pic Tim Marsden

Final word

Internally, the Seahawks still think they can sneak into finals but they’ll be banking upon the teams above them losing. If they can get a few wins in a row, they could potentially build some confidence heading into the back half of the year but with such a young list, they may struggle to close out games.

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Women

Ladder position: 7th

Results: Six wins, four losses

Rating: A-

The Seahawks started the season in fine fashion, winning their first four games before falling on the road to USC Rip City. The lady hawks have recruit well and developed within to put together a competitive but still relatively young list. They have showed some brilliance but have also struggled with consistency at times. At their best, they’re up there with the competition’s powerhouses and could be anything in playoffs.

North Gold Coast Seahawks coach Robert Sleaford relays a maeesage to his troops. Picture: Fan Fair

The highlight

The Seahawks win against top four contenders Mackay up north was huge for the fledging QBL franchise. Mackay unsurprisingly went into the game favourites on their home deck but the lady hawks had other plans and dismantled the Meteroettes to emerge 14 point winners. Young gun Katie Deeble had her best game for the season so far while Lauren Jansen and Emily Allen also performed strongly but all players contributed to the win.

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The lowlight

The Seahawks have been pretty impressive this year but their round six loss to the Rollers cast some doubt over their credentials. The Seahawks flexed their muscle in the first half and got out to an 11 point lead but were completely dismantled by the Rollers in the second half and couldn’t cope with their defensive pressure.

The star

Deja Middleton has been huge for the Seahawks. The US powerhouse is averaging 18.5 points and 13.2 rebounds and makes the Seahawks a much better side inside the paint. She is a force and a definite contender for import of the year.

Deja Middleton in action for the Seahawks against the Brisbane Capitals. Picture: Fan Fair

The backbone

Casey Samuels showed a lot of faith re-signing with the Seahawks for a second year and has continued to show why she’s a WNBL rising star. She has played more court minutes than anyone else this year by a mile, she leads the team in assists and is coming second in average points per game.

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Final word

The Seahawks will likely make playoffs for the second year in a row and will relish the chance to avenge their round one finals loss to Townsville from last year. They have a good a good mix of youth and established talent and have the potential to do some damage in playoffs under Robert Sleaford.