Wilcher influence provides winning touch
JOSH Wilcher has only played with the Townsville Heat for two seasons, but he has already etched his name into club history as the architect of their drought- breaking QBL triumph.
The Heat’s floor general was named the finals MVP after a stunning performance which saw him average 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists across the threegame series in Mackay.
Wilcher joined the Heat last season, filling the boots of former Crocs captain Mitch Norton, and the point guard has quickly become an indispensable member of the playing group.
The Heat had to dig deep to claim their first QBL title in 17 years after losing Game 2 against Mackay and Wilcher credited the club’s strong culture for seeing them through.
“We were very disappointed ( after Game 2). It just felt like weren’t playing and sticking to what we believe is Townsville basketball,” Wilcher said.
“We dug ourselves a little bit of a hole there, but going up by two points at halftime ( yesterday) gave us the belief that we could get it done.
“We came out in the third quarter and fought the way we have all season.
“I know the tradition of Townsville basketball and how much it means to the club. We haven’t won in 17 years. There’s a lot of guys who have played a long time and haven’t won.
“To get it done in my sec- ond season is amazing.”
Heat coach Rodney Anderson was gushing praise for his point guard after yesterday’s decider, describing Wilcher’s performance as one of the best he has seen for the club.
“Mackay had a defence where they denied him every single catch and every easy look and he was still unbelievable,” Anderson said.
“That was the best performance I’ve seen in a Townsville jersey for a long, long time. He was so good.”