Mountaineers lining up for first practice
BASKETBALL: After a long pre-season getting shots up and scrimmaging in the gym, the Toowoomba Mountaineers will finally get a chance to hit the floor.
The Mountaineers men will host the Southern Districts Spartans in a QBL practice match at Clive Berghofer Arena tomorrow night, four weeks out from the start of the season proper.
Coach Danny Breen said it was finally good to be able to put their hard work into practice.
“We’ve been going at it for a while now,” Breen said.
“It gives us a chance to put a line in the sand and show where we are, how much of a step forward we have taken, our strengths and weaknesses and what adjustments we need to make.
“Being the first trial against Southern Districts, it will give us a good chance to change things up and a good indicator for the start of the season.”
It will also serve as the first chance for the Toowoomba public to view new import Ricardo Martin, someone Breen, among others, is looking forward to seeing in a game environment.
“Ricardo is chomping at the bit to get out there and show what he can bring to the team,” he said.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing Cameron Weber. He’s a 100-game veteran and he will show how he will progress and take a step forward.”
Another young man Breen is eager to see is Jason Spurgin, who will likely be guarding a familiar face at some stage tomorrow night.
Breen anticipates Spurgin will see some time against Mountaineers junior Josh Derksen.
“Jason is in year 12 at TGS and he’s jumped forward leaps and bounds in the preseason,” he said.
“He’s gone from being a big kid with potential to a big kid that can play, and this will be a good opportunity to get a feel of what it’s like at the next level.
“(Southern Districts forward) Josh Derksen is an exToowoomba boy, and he’ll be looking to stamp his authority and show that he is improving and taking a step in the right direction.”
Fans will have to wait a little longer to see import Demetrius Perkins in the flesh, who is set to arrive in the country next month.
“Demetrius has finished his stint in the UK and is back in America,” he said.
“He’s been doing gym sessions and working out, and has been playing as many pick-up games as possible to keep in match fitness.
“The injury he had curtailed his first stint here, and he’s desperate to get back.”
Tomorrow night’s game at Clive Berghofer Arena commences at 6pm.