Full preview of the 2024 NBL1 North women’s basketball season

Ahead of the NBL1 North women’s season tip off, we analyse every team and which players are set to take the competition by storm. Deep dive into every team here.

A cracking NBL1 North women's season lies ahead in 2024.

An enticing season awaits in the NBL1 North women’s competition.

Can the Northside Wizards go back-to-back, or will a new contender emerge?

From championship contenders to key recruits and much more, discover everything you need to know ahead of the season with our club-by-club preview.

Catch up on the men’s instalment here, and keep an eye out for our profiles of the competition’s best young talent on Thursday.

BRISBANE CAPITALS

Home stadium address: Auchenflower Stadium, 16 Dixon St, Auchenflower

Coach: Jason Chainey

Players (roster): Steph Collins, Georgia Dale, Tyla Stolberg, Hilary Fuller, Lil Dart, Tyla Stolberg, Tyla King-Paul, Hannah Hank, Keriana Hippolite

Finished last year: 11th, 8-11

Key recruit: Lil Dart and Hannah Hank are two incredibly skilled players that will bring great experience to the Capitals despite their youth. The pair is knocking on the door of WNBL rosters.

Who to look out for and why: Tyla Stolberg is a Brisbane girl through and through who hails from a great basketballing family. Has had a hardworking pre-season and is the side’s biggest barometer for success. Can knock down an open shot and if she improves her back to the basket game she could be due for a breakout year. Georgia Dale is another Capital to watch, the pure shooter plays with a bounce and energy about her and when she gets going she’s really hard to guard. Has historically been a shooting guard but could be set to run the team more and call plays for the group. Hannah Young is a flatout knockdown shooter and Tylah King-Paul could also be in for a breakout year.

Headline we’d like to see: Stolberg, King-Paul take the competition by storm

Our bold prediction: Hannah Hank earns WNBL deal

Brisbane Capitals' young gun Hillary Fuller travelled to PNG to represent Australia at the Oceania Championships in 2023. Picture: Brisbane Capitals Facebook.

CAIRNS DOLPHINS

Home stadium address: Early Settler Stadium, 289 Aumuller Street, Cairns

Coach: Will Lopez

Players (roster): Teyahna Bond, Leichan Williams, Amy Lewis, Ali Burke, Taryn Bond, Myra Donkin, Andrianna Francis, Mia Loyd, Samantha Keltos

Finished last year: 9th, 10-9

Key recruit: Comes to the Dolphins from Romania, having taken to Europe after the conclusion of her college career. Will help the Dolphins stretch the floor with her shooting and will also be a defensive presence in the key.

Who to look out for and why: Teyahna Bond has represented Australia and Queensland at underage level and will certainly be one to watch.

Headline we’d like to see: Promising youngster Teyahna Bond takes her game to new heights

Our bold prediction: Another positive win-loss record for Dolphins, but no playoffs

Queensland player Teyahna Bond during the Under-20 National Championships in Ballarat. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

DARWIN SALTIES

Home stadium address: Ventia Stadium, 220 Abala Road, Marrara, Darwin

Coach: Rod Tremlett

Players (roster): Courtney Woods, Ashley Arlen, Abigail Curtin, Zoe Campbell, Maddy Campbell, Abby Solway, Sophie Johnston, Nyah Morris, Ruby Porter, Catherine McGregor, Tiayana Sing, Haven Hophia-Wilson, Abeey-Lee Wood, Amy List, Tyla Cubillo

Finished last year: 6th, 11-8

Key recruit: Reigning NBL1 MVP Courtney Woods played a pivotal role in the Northside Wizards grand final victory last season is now at the Salties. Woods also won a WNBL ring with the Townsville Fire making her one of the country’s most accomplished players. A needed star to replace the outgoing Chelsea Brook and Erin Bollmann.

Who to look out for and why: The well travelledAshley Arlen is an American who has proven her basketball skills across the world playing in the United States, Romania, Germany, Spain and the UK. Arlen is celebrated as a league and finals MVP and was recently named in the Women’s British Basketball League team of the year. Catherine McGregor is another one to keep an eye on, the returning Saltie is expected to only get better in 2024 after scoring an outstanding 30 points in a losing quarterfinal effort last season.

Headline we’d like to see: Salties women shine in finals

Our bold prediction: Injuries marred their progress last season after a dream start, but again this season the goal has to be finals and more specifically home finals for the Salties. Like their male counterparts they’ve made some massive signings so should be pushing for the top.

Courtney Woods of the Fire shoots from the arc during the WNBL match between Melbourne Boomers and Townsville Fire. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

GOLD COAST ROLLERS

Home stadium address: Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, 296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara

Coach: Matt Papanicolaou

Players (roster): Cassidy Gould, Waiaria Henderson, Emma Petrie, Chanel Paea, Courtney Peate, Jayla Cassidy, Lisa Koop

Finished last year: 7th, 11-8

Key recruit: The Rollers have secured the signature of veteran Lisa Koop, who has 10 years playing for the German national team under her belt. She will provide a strong inside presence who played in the NBL1 West last year. Her leadership will be valuable to Gold Coast.

Who to look out for and why: Cassidy Gould will be one to watch for the Rollers. The former Australian junior had a stellar college career for Davidson in America and captained the side in her final year.

Headline we’d like to see: Experienced heads lead Rollers to the playoffs

Our bold prediction: Rollers to finish outside top 10.

Gold Coast Rollers Under 18's player Emma Petrie.

IPSWICH FORCE

Home stadium address: Ipswich Basketball Stadium, 2A Ross Llewellyn Dr, Booval QLD 4304

Coach: Brad George

Players (roster): Kate Head, Maka Daysh, Charlotte Hegvold, Lorna Shepherd, Iris Cubit

Finished last year: 13th, 6-13

Key recruit: The Force have signed Maka Daysh, a versatile forward or centre hailing from New Zealand. She was a member of the Tall Ferns and has represented New Zealand’s women’s Maori side. Her leadership and strong physical play will be vital.

Who to look out for and why: Former Ipswich junior Iris Cubit has returned the club after time in the United States playing college. Her inside shooting and mid-range presence will be vital.

Headline we’d like to see: Cubit and Hegvold put in strong performances for their junior club

Our bold prediction: Another tough year for Ipswich’s women, who struggle to win more than five games.

Ipswich basketballer Charlotte Hegvold playing for Weber State University in the United States.

LOGAN THUNDER

Home stadium address: Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre, 146-170 Bryants Rd, Brisbane

Coach: Brayden Heslehurst

Players (roster): Chevannah Paalvast, Jade Kirisome, Ashley Taia, Sharni Reisinger, Prasayus Notoa, Cate Reese, Jaylen Cooper, Skye Mason, Mikhaela Cann, Indigo Thompson, Jessica Smith

Finished last year: 2nd, 15-4

Key recruit: Jade Kirisome has played college ball at St Mary’s as well as WNBL with the Canberra Capitals. The point guard can score, create, and is a floor leader.

Who to look out for and why: Chevannah Paalvast is a former Tall Ferns player in the back-end of her career. The forward is a reliable leader that does everything on the floor, be it scoring, shooting, rebounding, or defending.

Headline we’d like to see: Career-best season for Kirisome in her hometown return

Our bold prediction: Thunder to reach the semi-finals.

: Jade Kirisome of the Capitals high fives her teammates as she makes her way out onto the court during the WNBL match between Perth Lynx and UC Capitals. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

MACKAY METEORETTES

Home stadium address: McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium, 107 Juliet St, South Mackay

Coach: Jamiey Doevendans

Players (roster): Chelsea Brook, Taylor Mole, Sara Storeshaw, Sam Haiby, Nikita van Wyk, Winnie Fraser, Phoebe Holmes, Charli Kenny, Brook Jensen, Hannah Jensen, Mackensie Brown, Cheyenne Bobongie

Finished last year: 15th, 4-15

Key recruit: In keeping with the theme across the club of recruiting players that know the program, Chelsea Brook will be back in Meteorettes colours in 2024 after two seasons with the Darwin Salties. She’s set to captain Mackay, and is both an elite scorer and a great defender. The addition of Adelaide Lightning three-point shooter and versatile defender Taylor Mole, as well as Sam Haiby will also bolster the Meteorettes. Haiby hails from Nebraska in the United State and this is here first professional gig, expect the guard to be a good facilitator who works well off the dribble.

Who to look out for and why: Elite scorer Nikita van Wyk will be one to watch while Charli Kenny is a high IQ player and a great defender with a great motor. Phoebe Holmes is another both local talent that’s very competitive and wears the Mackay jersey with passion and pride. With WNBL and college ball both on the Horizon, may be the last season we see her in a Meteorettes jersey for some time.

Headline we’d like to see: Meteorettes bounce back to crack playoffs

Our bold prediction: Recruits see Meteorettes move up the ladder after testing 2023 campaign.

Chelsea Brook. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NORTH GOLD COAST SEAHAWKS

Home stadium address: Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium, Sports Dr, Runaway Bay

Coach: Caddie Jeffries

Players (roster): Mikaela Ruef, Miela Goodchild, Kendell Heremaia, Majella Carey, Chailee Ward, Jessica Relf, Gracie Champion,, Jessica Boundy, Mikayla Watkinson, Jessie Whinwray, Markie Richards, Maddison Baxter, Ella Handley

Finished last year: 10th, 9-10

Key recruit: Miela Goodchild is a Queensland local that suited up for Perth in the WNBL and reach the grand final. Goodchild is currently in Singapore with the national 3x3 squad. She played college ball at Duke and is a shooting guard that can also play point guard. Centre Mikaela Reuf, has also been picked up from Townsville’s WNBL outfit. She went to Stanford and has played division one basketball in Europe.

Who to look out for and why: Kendell Heremaia played for the Sunshine Coast Phoenix last season and is in both New Zealand’s 3x3 and standard five on five squads. Majella Carey has also been lured from Townville’s WNBL outfit and will be another one to watch, while Gracie Champion - daughter of Brisbane AFL talent Richard Champion - is an interesting prospect having played Aussie rules for the past few seasons.

Headline we’d like to see: Chailee Ward stars in return from ACL injury.

Our bold prediction: Heavily improved Seahawks crack playoffs berth.

Miela Goodchild of the Lynx handles the ball during the game three of the WNBL Grand Final series . (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

NORTHSIDE WIZARDS

Home stadium address: Northside Indoor Sports Stadium, 20 Cambewarra St, Zillmere

Coach: Dwight Hicks

Players (roster): Kelsey McDermott, AJ Johnson, Saskia Gunness, Nadeen Payne, Erin Bollmann, Jess McDowell-White, Courtney Middap, Alice O’Driscoll

Finished last year: 1st, 16-3 (champions)

Key recruit: The Wizards have lost the talented Courtney Woods to Darwin, but in return have secured Erin Bollmann from the Salties. A super versatile talent, Bollmann can play point guard or on the wing, and is a great rebounder who is great with assists and scoring. The definition of a multifaceted player. It’s worth nothing the Wizards won last year’s championship without a recognised PG but have now added both Bollmann and Jess McDowell-White.

Who to look out for and why: Jess McDowell-White comes to the Wizards fresh off her first NBL1 season with Townsville Fire, having previously been in the college system. A true point guard, expect her to organise very well. She could have a big future ahead in the WNBL.

Headline we’d like to see: Wizards go back-to-back despite loss of league MVP Courtney Woods

Our bold prediction: Wizards reach grand final series, win second consecutive championship

Erin Bollmann. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

ROCKHAMPTON CYCLONES

Home stadium address: Bravus Arena, Sir Raymond Huish Dr, Wandal

Coach: Drew Fenton

Players (roster): Lara McSpadden, Lauren Heard, Samantha Bowman, Muffi Loader, Morgan Yaeger, Tai Wakelin Gray, Bella Janes, Maddy Barclay, Sydney Wright, Sophie Driscoll, Shannan Muggeridge, Emily Tweedy

Finished last year: 3rd, 14-5

Key recruit: 25-year-old Morgan Yaeger is a key recruit for the Cyclones. She has WNBL experience and previously played 78 college games for the University of Oregon.

Who to look out for and why: Lara McSpadden is a key big that’s been pivotal with Rocky. Won an Oceania Championship and World Championship with Australia in her underage days.

Headline we’d like to see: Cyclones overcome grand final demons to taste championship success

Our bold prediction: Another strong season from Cyclones, but fall short of championship.

Morgan Yaeger playing Sydney Uni Flames in 2022. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

SUNSHINE COAST PHOENIX

Home stadium address: Maroochydore Basketball Stadium, Syd Lingard Drive Buderim QLD

Coach: Rachael McCulley

Players (roster): Haylee Andrews, Carlie Smith, Grace Rodgers, Amy Browne, Nicola Handreck, Nicola Handreck, Maddy White, Jen Carden-David, Ashleigh Frampton, Esther Fleming, Jess Lorraway, Georgie Eishold, Emma Benjamin.

Finished last year: 12th, 6-13

Key recruit: Haylee Andrews has returned after spending half a decade in Portland. She’s a tough guard that can shoot the ball well, but has to fill the big shoes of Kath McLeod.

Who to look out for and why: Carlie Smith has been recruited from Rip City where she was averaging a double double. A strong defender that can do everything, and plays as either a small forward or a power forward.

Headline we’d like to see: Phoenix return to playoffs under the guidance former Opal Rachael McCulley

Our bold prediction: Phoenix improve on last season’s record, but fall short of playoffs.

Carlie Smith playing basketball for USC Rip City. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

SOUTH WEST METRO PIRATES

Home stadium address: Hibiscus Stadium, 90 Klumpp Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt

Coach: Jon Newlee

Players (roster): Jasmine Howe, Bronte Corke, Georgia Smith, Taya Hanson, Charli Bliss

Finished last year: 4th, 13-6

Key recruit: Taya Hanson come to the Pirates having played college basketball at Arizona State and the University of Oregon. The six-foot baller was once the Canadian Player of the Year coming out of High School. Expect to see axcellent defender who can score at all three levels.

Who to look out for and why: Jasmine Howe is a great 3 pt shooter with good handles and an impressive IQ. She’s also a hard nosed defender.

Headline we’d like to see: Pirates improve to taste championship success

Our bold prediction: Another semi-final berth for South West Metro

18-year-old Queensland underage representative Charli Bliss will line up for the Pirates this season. Picture: Trent Schwarz

SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPARTANS

Home stadium address: Rowland Cowan Stadium, 56 Zahel St, Carina QLD 415

Coach: George Robinson

Players (roster): Ariana Moorer, Emily Preston, Kalani Purcell, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Maddy Allen, Alice Dart, Steph Bairstow, Emily Preston, Gia Vukona, Peata Manumaleuga, Lucy Reid, Odette Isaac, Abby Cubillo, Karli Derksen

Finished last year: 5th, 13-6

Key recruit: Ariana Moorer finished in the top three in the MVP race in the 2023 NBL1 North season, she’s set to bring experience and a winning mindset to the Spartans this year. Abby Cubillo is also returning to NBL1 North after recovering from an ACL tear sustained last season. In 2022, Cubillo was named in the NBL1 North All-league First Team, and she crosses from the Brisbane Capitals. Spent the WNBL season training and rehabbing with the Adelaide Lightning.

Who to look out for and why: A familiar face for the Spartans, Derksen has championship experience and knows what it takes to bring a trophy home.

Headline we’d like to see: Cubillo returns to NBL1 North All-league First Team in ACL comeback

Our bold prediction: Spartans improve on last season’s quarter final loss, reach grand final series.

Abby Cubillo playing for the Capitals before her ACL injury. Picture: Mowfoto.

TOWNSVILLE FLAMES

Home stadium address: Townsville Stadium, 1/40-48 Murray Lyons Crescent, Annandale

Coach: James Rapinett

Players (roster): Kate Andersen, Alex Fowler, Saffron Shiels, Indiah Bowyer, Shaina Pacey, Shaylee Browning, Kate Gaze, Lauren Andrews, Ainslie Minogue, Jasmine Rigoni, Ella Tofaeono, Ashlee Farrell

Finished last year: 8th, 10-9

Key recruit: Saffron Shiels joins the Flames as a young player with lots of experience that has developed into great player. The point guard is coming off a WNBL season with the Townsville Fire.

Who to look out for and why: Townsville junior Lauren Andrews went to college and is returning to the sport after a year off. The big is only 21 and will no doubt be one to watch.

Headline we’d like to see: Homegrown Fowler dominates after WNBL stint

Our bold prediction: Flames to miss playoffs.

Saffron Shiels of the Fire warm's up before game two of the WNBL Semi Final series between Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Originally published as Full preview of the 2024 NBL1 North women’s basketball season