BLOCKBUSTER

TSS and Churchie to clash in heavyweight GPS game

NATIONAL squad players and state representatives will be all over the floor as two of GPS basketball’s heavyweights clash, to headline Round 3.

The Southport School will host Anglican Church Grammar School, both undefeated so far, on Saturday in the first meeting of two teams predicted to feature in this year’s top four.

In the high-powered clash, TSS stars such as Lloyd McVeigh, Preston Le Gassick and Harry Blair will try to take down last year’s premiers, led by Kobe McDowell-White, Harrison Pennisi, Ethan Taafe and other stars.

“Churchie are a powerhouse in GPS basketball and this season they have depth in their playing roster with a good balance across all playing positions,” TSS coach Anthony Petrie said.

“(They have the benefit of) the experience of sharing the GPS title last year and having most of the core playing group back, with the addition a couple of younger quality players in Kobe McDowell-White, Harry Pennisi and Col Ross.”

Petrie, a former NBL player, said his team needed to avoid turnovers to be in with a chance against Churchie.

“We need to take care of the ball against their pressure up the floor and down the other end of the floor, lock in from all players on the defensive systems,” he said.

“Each player will need to rebound and have a focus on doing what we implement well.”

Petrie said there were key match-ups for the clash, including Le Gassick against dogged defender Aidan Summerfield, TSS captain Maika Shortland taking on Will Bruv, and Blair working to contain Churchie’s big front line of Tristan Lacey and Pennisi.

Churchie coach and current Brisbane Bullets assistant CJ Bruton said his team was looking forward to the challenge of such a big game.

“I like TSS, they play hard and have been improving each year, especially under Peach (Petrie) and look like a real contender this season,” he said.

“Our depth is obviously an advantage over most teams, however, we need to still play to that ability.”

Bruton said limiting the impact of the TSS guards would be key to Churchie’s success on the Gold Coast.