RANKED: The Chronicle ranks the top 10 women’s players of the TBL

With the new season of the Toowoomba Basketball League getting underway, we rank the top 10 players in the competition.

Mickayla Heuston, Tracey Twidale and Katelyn Holt.

BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Basketball League is back for another season with the women ready to strut their stuff.

The new year kicks off on Thursday night, with the Dairy Farmers Milkos, Southern Cross Bricklaying Eels and Shed Training Titans ready to go to battle.

In honour of the fresh season, The Chronicle ranks the top 10 players coming into round one.

10. KYLIE REISINGER (EELS)

Brings plenty of intangibles to a very solid Eels roster. A strong presence defensively, Reisinger will play her role in the paint and solidify her spot in this competition.

Katelyn Holt. Picture: Kevin Farmer

9. KATELYN HOLT (TITANS)

A solid scorer of the ball and a deadly threat from three-point range, Holt is starting to mature into a quality player in the region. Has come through the junior ranks and can make a statement in the TBL.

Emily Derksen. Picture: Nev Madsen

8. EMILY DERKSEN (MILKOS)

Brings plenty of Mountaineers experience to the fold, Derksen adds another option to a potent Milkos offensive unit. Provides strength in defence for her side and could prove to be one of the pick-ups of the league.

Ainslee Heuston. Photo: Nev Madsen

7. AINSLEE HEUSTON (EELS)

Returns from a stint with Rockhampton in the NBL1. Saw a solid amount of court time there, and the former Queensland representative looks hard to contain at this level. If she finds her best, she’s a top three player in the league.

Mickayla Heuston. Photo: David Nielsen

6. MICKAYLA HEUSTON (MILKOS)

Another former Queensland representative, Heuston brings an element of class to the court. Has the ability to read a game well, her battles with sister Ainslee will prove to be a spectacle. A leader at the Milkos.

Chelsea Orbell. Picture: Nev Madsen

5. CHELSEA ORBELL (MILKOS)

Adds valuable Mountaineers experience to the Milkos and had a big impact on the recent QSL season. Has mixed it with some of the best over the journey, and her presence on the boards will be crucial.

Taylor Valach. Photo: Kevin Farmer

4. TAYLOR VALACH (MILKOS)

Shaping up as a double-double machine in this competition, Valach will prove to be a menace for opposition teams in the paint. Has a height advantage over many opponents which will come in very handy.

Tracey Twidale. Picture: Kevin Farmer

3. TRACEY TWIDALE (EELS)

An explosive player that provides a good scoring base for the Eels, Twidale has developed a reputation from beyond the arc. Can play on the ball too which will prove a big asset for her team.

Kimberlee Wilson. Photo: Nev Madsen

2. KIMBERLEE WILSON (TITANS)

Coached the Dragons to the inaugural TBL men’s victory in 2020, Wilson adds plenty of leadership to a young Titans roster. A versatile player that will shine as a first option in this league.

Lisa Salmi. Picture: Nev Madsen

1. LISA SALMI (EELS)

Did it all for the Mountaineers in the recent QSL season. A ball-handler that is just as comfortable shooting the ball as she is setting up her teammates, Salmi’s experience immediately puts the Eels right in the frame to be there at the business end of the season.