New stars sparkle as QBL tunes up
TOOWOOMBA’S trio of new stars shone in their first official games as Mountaineers-contracted players.
It was a busy weekend for the Mountaineers, who played three home games over Saturday and Sunday as coach Pop Dickerson tried to get his new-look playing roster ready for the start of the Queensland Basketball League.
On Saturday Toowoomba took on the Queensland under 18 team, with American imports Rashad Chase and James Legan combining for 61 of the Mountaineers’ 90 points in a comfortable 32-point win.
Toowoomba backed up in a second game later that night against Greater Brisbane League champions North Brisbane, losing 98-85. Legan was again a standout for the Mountaineers, scoring 35 points, while new guard Chris Hamill chipped in with 13.
On Sunday the Mountaineers took on a skilful University of Queensland team, Toowoomba getting home with a 93-72 win off the back of a dominant second-half performance.
While happy with his side’s progress, Dickerson believes there is plenty of work to do ahead of the start of the QBL season on May 7. “We need to get better and to continue to get used to each other,” Dickerson said.
And with a new-look playing roster and an entirely new coaching philosophy under Dickerson, practice is the key.
“Practice, practice, practice. We have to practice to get to know our offences and defences and learn to play with each other better,” he said.
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