2019 QBL Grand Final Previews
The semi-finals served up even more upsets as well as dominant wins by real contenders. This weekend we see a best of three battle to the championship for the 2019 edition of the Queensland Basketball League.
The dominant ladder leading Brisbane Capitals host the Gold Coast Rollers in the men's series, a squad who continues to show they can bring it to anybody – disposing of the defending champions Townsville Heat in the semis.
The Southern District Spartans will be embracing the Dark Side against a group of women who are strengthening as a group week by week in the Gold Coast Rollers.
We preview these match ups with comment from the leagues stars.
MEN
Brisbane Capitals vs Gold Coast Rollers
The Brisbane Capitals have been the benchmark all season and in a clash that could have been an upset they continued their dominance 105-90 against the Rockhampton Rockets.
Jason Cadee came away with 36 points, five rebounds and eight assists showing what he brings to the state league and whetting the appetites of the Brisbane Bullets faithful coming into the fast approaching NBL season.
Jason Cadee: “All is going good with us. Practice has been good and everyone is just excited to play after a week off. We’ve treated it like a regular week and looking forward to Friday night.”
The Gold Coast Rollers boast a near-perfect mix of veterans and youth. That hunger for success only grows week to week and they are here to take the title.
Beating the Townsville Heat 77-58 in the semi-finals showing that they have the weapons across the court to dismantle any side on their day.
Tidjane Diop: “Everyone’s feeling really confident and excited. We’ve had some good sessions leading into the finals so everyone is prepared and on the same page for the task ahead.”
Rowan tips: The Rollers will bring a good challenge with their weapons but with Cadee, Anderson and Magnay I see the Capitals taking this out in two.
WOMEN
Southern District Spartans v Gold Coast Rollers
The Gold Coast Lady Rollers headed north in the semi-finals to take on the Townsville Fire. It was gritty and a punch by punch battle which went to overtime but the Rollers came away winner by a single point taking it 77-76.
The success came to the defence of Sarah Ambrose and Jacqueline Luna Castro paired with the consistent and potent attack of versatile import Ari Moorer. This combination shut down one of the strongest performers on the court in Abby Bishop stopping her from contributing a single point. A repeat performance will be vital against the Spartans who have a treasure chest of weapons in Isaac, Scott, Mellars and Parham-Ammar.
The Southern District Spartans beat Ipswich 87-80 in a hard fought battle. The Ipswich Force really taking it to the Spartans but going down in the final quarter.
Arianne Moorer: “Our preparation has been very detailed so that we’re prepared for everything.”
Aja Parham-Ammar: “Squad is excited. One step closer to our goal set at the beginning of the season. The week off allowed bodies to heal and gave us a much needed mental break. Gold Coast is on a massive win streak. They play extremely hard and work well together as a team. We will need to match their energy and play our game. Looking forward to the battle.”
Rowan tips: This series will be insane with both squads stacked with talent and combinations which can be called upon to impact the stats sheet and score card. Luna Castro to have her best game yet in the first for the finals and Moorer to show why she needs to be retained by the Gold Coast outfit for 2020. I see this Lady Rollers squad as one that if kept intact could have a great run of finals appearances in future QBL seasons. Rollers in three.