Seahawks’ highs, lows WOMEN MEN
North Gold Coast failed in their late bid to make the women’s QBL finals and the men finished third last. Eliza Reilly rates the Seahawks’ year.
Top two performers
THE star US import was one of only three Seahawks who played all 18 matches.
She was a huge presence inside the paint, leading the team in points scored with an average of 19.56 a game and also in rebounds at 11.89.
Was a genuine force and sharp shooter with a field goal strike rate of 54 per cent.
2. Casey Samuels
SHE showed why she’s a WNBL rising star, playing a crucial role all season.
Played all 18 games, came in second on points scored with 15.78 a game and played more than 70 minutes more than the next best, captain Emily Allen. Came second in rebounds to Middleton with an average of 7.28 a game but also led the team in personal fouls for the year.
The positive
THE Seahawks’ bench depth was a highlight.
While their starting five is full of experience, the bench is full of up and coming talent who will shine in years to come thanks to the QBL exposure. Watch for Aimee Durbidge, Ella Brow, Charli Reece and Tayla Sleaford.
Area for improvement
CONSISTENCY. One game they’d come out firing and win when nobody expected it ... only to then drop a winnable match.
Best performance
THE victory against top-four contenders Mackay up north was big. The Seahawks won by 14 points.
Worst performance
THE equation was simple: win and the Seahawks secured a spot in playoffs but lose to USC Rip City and the Sunshine Coast side would take their place. The home side led at every change but couldn’t hold on for victory in front of a vocal home. It wasn’t their worst team effort but it was devastating loss given what was on the line.
Player to watch in 2020
IN her debut year Katie Deeble, 15, averaged eight points a game but it was her skill and transition that turned many heads.
Top two performers 1. Quinton Campbell
IT’S hard to go past Campbell. In his second year at the club Campbell has gone to another level. Led with an average of 15.44 points a game and in rebounds with 7.5.
2. Cameron Goldfinch
AFTER spending the first part of the year playing college basketball for Newman in the US, Goldfinch proved why he is a rising QBL star. The sharpshooter averaged 15.38 points a game and 4.06 rebounds. His long-range shooting was impressive.
The positive
THE Seahawks narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last season after only three wins but in 2019 there was improvement. They won two more games than last year and only really had two blowout margins.
Area for improvement
AT times it appeared like too much was left to too few at the Seahawks. Their starting five is left to do a bulk of the work while the bench is full of young up and coming players who may take a few more years to reach their QBL potential.
Best performance
THE Seahawks had a few memorable moments but their win away against the Phoenix in Round 8 was one of the more impressive.
Captain Rob Linton was forced to the bench after accumulating five fouls but his teammates stepped up.
Worst performance
THE Seahawks were blown away by Townsville in Round 6. After competing with Gold Coast Rollers until halftime a day earlier, the Seahawks didn’t land a punch the following night and lost by 50.
Player to watch in 2020
AFTER a two-year hiatus to pursue Aussie rules, Tom Howard adapted to basketball again with ease.
He built a fair highlights reel in his first year in Seahawks colours, including an incredible dunk against the Capitals. Provides genuine excitement and should improve again next year. DOUBLE DRIBBLE: Friday