QBL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
ROUND THIRTEEN
QBL MEN - ZANE MEEHL
Zane Meehl’s presence in the Clippers line-up makes them a formidable opponent for any side. Meehl missed Maroochydore’s opening 4 games of the season but since returning to the side he has been in red hot form averaging 19.1ppg, 6.3rpg and 5.3apg. The Clippers were in desperate need of a win in Round 13 as their finals dreams had been slipping away in recent weeks. Meehl answered the call for the Clipper’s posting a massive 43pts and 12rbs to lead the Clippers to an 98-94 win over local rivals the Suns.
From a young age Meehl has made a huge impact on the QBL. Back in 2006 he was awarded the QBL Most Valuable player award while also being voted as the Youth Player of the Year. In his 106 career games Meehl averages 19.5rpg, 6.9rbg and 4.5apg.
Meehl’s potential has not gone unrecognised on the international scene. Zane played college basket in the US for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Mid Continent University – Mayfield and Azusa Pacific in the NAIA.
During his time at the UAFS’s Meehl played 27 games averaging 5.4ppg and 1.2apg. In the same year (2007) Meehl was also selected in the New Zealand National team that played at the 2007 World University games in Bangkok.
Meehl then moved to the Mid Continent University in 2008 appearing in 18 games in which MCU went 9-11 compared to the 2-11 in the games that he missed. Meehl led the team in scoring (av. 14.6ppg), assists (av.3.3apg) and free throw percentage. He had a season high 29pts for MCU in a 64-63 win over Spaulding.
Zane played for the Azusa Pacific Cougars in his junior year coming of the bench in all 33 of their games. He averaged 2.5ppg and 1.1apg in his first year at Azusa with a top score of 14pts in his debut match.
Other top notch performances in Round 13 came from Cairns’ Jeromine Hill who was outstanding for the Marlins averaging 21.6ppg @ 50% and 8rpg in their clean sweep of Toowoomba, Northside, and the Gold Coast. Rhys Martin (30pts @ 87.5%) and John Fitzgerald (20pts, 11rbs, 7assts, 5stls) were huge in Mackay’s win over Bundy, while it was Todd Blanchfield (27pts, 8rbs) and Tim Coenradd (28pts, 8rbs) who got the job done for Mackay against the Power. Reggie Golson was at his best with 39pts, 9rbs, 4stls and 3assts when the Rockets downed Brisbane 91-72. Ryan McDade was on the ball for Rockhampton in their win over Ipswich the next with 20pts @ 77% and 9rbs. Even though their sides suffered defeats Willie Shackleford, Thalo Green and Ryan Stolberg were exceptional for their teams. Shackleford the Round 12 Player of the Week had 30pts and 17rbs in Bundy’s loss to Mackay. Green finished with 31pts and 14rbs but the Suns still lost to the Clippers by 4pts. Stolberg was a monster of the boards for the Force finishing with a league high 21rbs and 14pts in the loss to Rockhampton.
QBL WOMEN - RACHEL MAENPAA
Brisbane who have really found form at the right time of the season recorded another impressive win in Round 13 over the Rockhampton Cyclones, sealing their spot in the Quarter Finals. Rachel Maenpaa who joined the Capitals this season has been one of Brisbane’s most consistent contributors averaging 16.4ppg and 7.8rpg, while also posting 8 double doubles. Rachel produced her finest effort of the year against the Cyclones with season high 31pts @ 60.9%, 11rbs and 2assts. For her fantastic performance in Round 13 Rachel has been awarded the QBL Player of the Week award.
Rachel who comes from Wisconsin played her college basketball with NCAA Division 1 side the Indiana State Sycamores. Throughout her 4 year college career Rachel played 122 games which placed her second on the all-time list for games played. Maenpaa was the 10th player in the history of the program to score at least 1000pts and pull down 500rbs. She finished her college career averaging 8.4ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.3apg.
In Rachel’s final year with the Sycamores she hit a career high 32pts in the sides 76-68 victory over Duke, becoming the first Indian player of the season to ellipse the 30pt mark. Her 50.6% season field goal percentage ranked her 6th in the NCAA and she was maned in the ESPN Academic All-District 5 second team and was an All-MVC Scholar Athlete First Team selection.
Since finishing college Maenpaa has played in the European Professional League for Swiss team Sdent Sierre. During her time with Sierre, Rachel averaged 15ppg and 9rpg and helped lead the team to the Swiss League final four.
With a number of teams finials aspirations going on the line there were some stunning individual performances in Round 13. Mackay’s Rachel Flanagan put in a fine display in the Meteorettes win over Bears finishing the match with 34pts, 6rbs, 6assts and 3stls. The Bears Stephanie Jones was her sides best with 23pts and 13rbs. Amy Browne (23pts @ 76.9%, 11rbs) was inspirational for the Clippers as they downed Caboolture 69-57. Kirsten Rasmussen 23pts and 18rbs were crucial in the Wizards 13pt win over the Dolphins. Despite being on the end of two losses Daphanie Kennedy was superb for the Cyclones averaging 24.5pts in her two games. Fellow Brisbane import Crista Ricketts provided plenty of support of Maenpaa as she had 21pts @ 70%. Jessica Bibby (27pts, 7assts) and Rebecca Haynes (25pts, 10rbs) ensured that the Power got their revenge on the travelling Meteorettes (93-68). Jade Abele continued her stellar season for the Gold Coast and had 20pts, 9rbs, 8assts, 3stls and 2blks, however it was not enough as the Dolphins led by Kate MckMeeken-Ruscoe (27pts) and Naomi Pedro (25pts) were able to record a 7pt point win to finish their Road Trip on a high.
