BIG GAME EXPERIENCE
BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers have never had an issue with unearthing young talent.
What they have lacked in recent seasons is the veteran player experience that is often the difference between winning and losing.
A key off-season acquisition may have changed that though, and what’s better is the fact Cameron Weber (pictured) is back at his old club.
Last weekend the Mountaineers caused a boilover, knocking off last year’s QSL champions Brisbane at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, and Weber wants that to be the catalyst for change in 2022.
IT’S BEEN no secret that the Toowoomba Mountaineers men have lacked the killer punch in recent times.
But Cameron Weber hopes a young roster is finally on the right path to developing a winning culture.
Last weekend the Mountaineers caused a boilover, knocking off last year’s QSL champions Brisbane at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, and Weber wants that to be the catalyst for change in 2022.
“Toowoomba has had a lack of winning mentality over the last few years, and in that first game we just wanted to put it on the court and hopefully everyone follows along,” he said.
“It was obviously a great way to start the season. We know they’re defending champs and it was great to send a message to the rest of the league.
“That makes sure we’re put on notice and now teams will put in their best efforts against us.”
Weber is one of a handful of veteran players on hand to guide the young core forward, and he led the way with a game high 35 points.
Fellow experienced heads Jason Ebneter (12 pts, seven assists) and Adam Gehrig (16 pts) also played focal roles, and he said the trio wants to be able to steer the side through key moments of games.
“It’s great to have those younger guys in the team, but throughout their junior careers some haven’t got a lot of wins on the board,” he said.
“Learning how to win is vital and our coach (Darryl Allen) has talked about it, that was a game in the past we would’ve lost.
“I just hope the boys can see the work we’re putting in is actually working. Jason and myself came back to make sure we’re on a winning program. We’re not here to lose.
“Now we see we can compete and win games, and that only builds confidence.”
Weber hopes they take that confidence into their first double header of the weekend, a trip to take on North Gold Coast on Saturday, before returning home to host Northside on Sunday.
“If we can get the two and finish the weekend 3-0, we should see our younger guys start to relax,” Weber said.
“They’ve still been a bit nervous, although we haven’t seen it so far in training this week which is a good thing.”
Women show promise Canadian import Michaela Allen-Gullion laid down a marker in her Mountaineers’ debut.
The point guard led all scorers with 25 points and topped the rebound list hauling in 10 boards.
Allen-Gullion’s performance was a key part of the Mountaineers’ impressive first half performance which saw them leading 32-25 at the half.
Unfortunately, they were not able to hold out a fast finishing Brisbane Capitals who claimed a 60-52 win.
“It was a really good start from us,” women’s coach Matt Cox said.
“Michaela (Allen-Gullion) showed her worth straight away and Kirstyn Lunnis was really good down low.
“Unfortunately, in the second quarter we lost our way a little bit and let them back into the game when we should’ve extended the lead.
“We regrouped at halftime and came out with a really good energy, but unfortunately immediately after the high was the lowest of lows.
“We let go on a 10-0 run to get back in the game and take the lead and we just couldn’t get it back.”
Despite the loss, Cox said the Mountaineers, particularly the squad’s younger players, will be better for the experience and they will take a simple approach into the next game.
“Rebounding is the big focus. I thought we didn’t quite have enough tenacity on the defensive end,” Cox said.
“We forced them to take some semi contested outside shots but still gave them a few too many second chance opportunities.
“Rebounding will continue to be something we focus on and getting the ball out fast in transition.”
SCHEDULE: Mountaineers men vs North Gold Coast (Saturday away), Northside (3pm Sunday tip-off at USQ). Mountaineers women vs North Gold Coast (Saturday away). Northside (1pm Sunday tip-off at USQ).