How the coaches see their teams faring in big event

MOLTEN CBSQ

SCHOOLS from across the Gold Coast are competing in the state school championship.

Teams finished the first day of competition yesterday and will battle it out over the next three days to see who the best of the best is.

Check out the live-stream action through the Bulletin online. Here are a few comments from coaches of some Gold Coast schools:

VARSITY COLLEGE

Adam Darragh says: “It’s a tough pool with some big time schools in there. It’s a big opportunity to upset some big schools.”

Player to watch: Jayden Salway.

“Our girls in Division 2 are also in a tough pool with very winnable games. Should make it through the crossovers. Player to watch: Yarra Lamb.

SOUTHPORT HIGH

Thalo Green says:

“Toro girls are looking strong with several returning players from last year’s Division 1 fifth-place finish.”

Player to watch: Janique

O’Riley

“The boys side have set their sights on a top-three finish in Division 2 and qualifying for Division 1 next year.

“Although only in Year 10 this will be point guard Jai Clarke’s fourth competition.”

THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL

Head of the program Brendan LeGassick says: ‘TSS had a solid second half of the GPS season with a 4-1 record and the group is suited to tournament play.”

Players to watch: Lloyd McVeigh is fit and well after having illness during the majority of GPS and Harry Blair achieved a double/double during the GPS season.

PBC

Bec Shatz, head coach, says: “PBC girls are looking to improve from a 2018 placing of eighth. They have an experienced squad with the likes of Casey Walker, Tayla Sleaford, Ella Brow and Halle Brooker.

“If the team can follow the game plan … they have a good chance of top two in their pool.

“A few injuries have set the PBC boys back.”