Damon steps up and thrives

BASKETBALL A LITTLE push from veteran teammate Alex Loughton has urged Marlins star Damon Heuir towards career-best form.

It is only early in the QBL season but the combo-guard is second in the league for points per game, with almost 26, to go with five rebounds and three assists a contest.

With the Marlins losing a mountain of experience over the summer, Heuir was handed the co-captaincy and has been called upon to lift his minutes and scoring output.

He has thrived in the role, leading the defending champions to a 3-1 record, as they tackle the Sunshine Coast double this weekend, Sunshine Coast Phoenix before USC Rip City.

The quietly spoken Taipans reserve credits the influence of Loughton for his exceptional play and increased leadership this season.

“I am playing with a lot of confidence at the moment,” Heuir said.

“That comes from playing with guys like Alex Loughton.

“He helps my confidence and pushes me to be a leader and shine in the team.

“He tells me that is what the group needs from me and Al has been big with that.

“Jamie Pearlman has been the same, it has been really good.”

While Loughton has helped Heuir, he will not be there this weekend, missing the doubleheader; Tevin Jackson is set to carry the front-court load.

A Cairns’ favourite son Jeromie Hill will make his QBL debut tonight, while the Phoenix, who are 0-4, also have talented Brisbane Bullets guard Matt Kenyon and CJ Massingale and Brad Williamson.

Without Loughton, the Marlins will rely on their guard play to contribute the bulk of their points.

Heuir is liking having fellow Taipan and another aggressive guard in Jarrad Weeks in his side.

“It took a game to adjust to his speed and his scoring ability into the rotation but in the second game of our last road trip, we were much better and we are getting better every training,” Heuir said. “It is great to have another scorer.”

Meanwhile, the Dolphins face a crunch weekend of games. They will debut import Alli Gloyd and face the Phoenix, who are 1-3, and USC Rip City, 1-2, and should look to bank two wins.