QBL ROUND 11 PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD

QBL Men - Tom Garlepp

For the second time this season Tom Garlepp of the Brisbane Capitals is the recipient of the QBL Player of the Week award. Garlepp was enormous for the Capitals in Round 11, producing his highest score of the season against South West in Brisbane’s first game of the Round with 47 points @ 61.3%, while also adding a season high 20 rebounds to lead Brisbane to a hard fought victory. Garlepp’s rare form continued the next day when he had 31 points hitting 14-25 from the field, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals in the Capitals 93-76 win over Toowoomba. Tom has been in tremendous form all season averaging the solid numbers of 26.7ppg (2^nd in League), 10.2rpg (5^th in League) and 2.6apg, while guiding a young Capitals side to a 10-5 record.

Garlepp showed immense potential throughout his high school years playing for Aquinas College in Salter Point, Western Australia. In his senior year at Aquinas Garlepp averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocked shots per game, leading Aquinas to the State High School Championships and to a bronze medal at the National Championships. Following graduation from Aquinas, Garlepp was invited to play for the AIS team in the SEBAL, where he led the AIS in blocked shots with 39 and set an AIS record with 10 blocked shots in one game. 

Garlepp’s talents did not go unnoticed by US college scouts, playing for the University of California – Santa Barbra from 2005 to 2007. Tom had a tremendous start to his college career scoring 16 points and pulling-down 7 rebounds in the Gauchos' season-opening win over San Francisco. Not only did Garlepp have a great first game as a Gaucho, he had a good start to the season. Through his first four games he was averaging 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, becoming an instant crowd favourite.

Following his stint in college basketball Garlepp was signed by the Perth Wildcats, where he won the young player of the year Award in 2007/08. In 2010 Garlepp transferred to the Gold Coast Blaze producing his most productive NBL season thus far, playing 28 games averaging 5.2ppg and 3.4rpg.

With many teams’ finals aspirations hinged on their results in Round 11, there were a number of other huge performances around the league. Todd Blanchfield was immense for Townsville in their two games with 33 points and 11 rebounds in the Heats win over Rockhampton, backed up with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in Townsville’s loss to Mackay the following day. Stephen Weigh was prevalent for the Rockets averaging 24.5ppg and 8rpg as Rockhampton split their results in North Queensland. Deba George starred for Mackay in their win over Townsville with 24 points which included eight 3 pointers. David Gurney ensured the Rollers got their revenge against the Force for their Round 9 loss with 27 points and 6 rebounds. Brendan Teys (25 points, 6 rebounds & 5 assists) and Zac Carter (20 points & 14 rebounds) did all they could for the Pirates in their loss to Brisbane. Willie Shakleford was unstoppable for the Bulls in their win over Caboolture with 33 points @ 71.4%, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 assists and 3 steals. Dwayne Vale (22 points & 12 rebounds) and Den Brebner (21 points) were sensational for the Marlins in their heart breaking loss to the Rockets, as was Zeke Meehl who had 34 points @ 68.4% as the Clippers went down to the Wizards. Toowoomba’s James Legan was another player to standout in a loss with 37 points against the Capitals. The Wizards Chris Goulding made a triumphant return from injury with 43 points and 10 rebounds as Northside handed Ipswich their second loss of the round and Brad Williamson’s efforts could not be faulted in the loss though, finishing the match with 45 points and 14 rebounds.