Neers set sights on QSL season

BASKETBALL: A new look Toowoomba women’s side is bringing a fresh approach to their QSL campaign.

Providing opportunity has been a cornerstone of the Mountaineers in recent times, and coach Karina Agius hopes it works to their benefit ahead of their season opener at home to Sunshine Coast tonight.

“We had some players come up from Brisbane to trial and see how they went, and in turn they brought some friends up as well,” Agius said.

“We’ve had a few weeks to train as a group and had a training camp at the weekend to get a few sessions in.

“It’s been a good preparation. With so many from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, I’ve been travelling down to Redbank for one session a week so they don’t have to come up as much.

“The last two weeks (in particular) have worked really well.”

While Agius acknowledged they will have to mix with some elite-level talent, she remains confident her determined group will be able to hold their own.

“It’s going to be tough. Most teams have WNBL players, so it’s a good opportunity for them to prove themselves,” she said.

“We’ve got women that want to get out there and play, so I think we’ll do well.

“It’s good that we can give players that might have been looked over that opportunity. The group of girls we’ve got is great. There’s no rubbish and everyone has the same agenda.”

The QSL season gets underway tonight at Clive Berghofer Arena (St Mary’s College) against the visiting Phoenix, with the women tipping off at 6pm and the men at 8pm.