Townsville Flames v Cairns Dolphins, Fri 24^th 6:30pm @ NPA Stadium-
The weight on the Flames team is huge with many questions floating around as to whether they can handle the pressure of being the 2007 and 2008 National Champions.  Rachael Flanagan was a starter for both years and will now suit up as Assistant Coach.  This will give the Flames an edge on one hand but was sort of gap has been left as a result?  It's certainly not all bad news though, with WNBL strength in Cherie Smith and Kirby Dalgleish on their roster.  The Dolphins missed out on Cox but what remains is a solid core of players.  They have spread their wings and recruited out of NT with Staci Prindle-Price and Keisha Tinley, while locals Bloomfield, Gray and Couper are backing up again in '09.  If you are part of the new QBL tipping comp (click here to register) you'd probably back the Flames based on their current unbeaten run of 47 games in a row.

Toowoomba Mountaineers v Ipswich Force, Sat 25^th 5:15pm @ Toowoomba Basketball Stadium-
Ezria Parsons returns to the Mountaineers after a very successful season with the Pirates where she went all the way to a National Quarter Final with the team.  The Mountaineers currently have a compact squad of 10 and with no sign of Rhonda Price or Melissa Tape who made up most of their offense in 2008, the team needs to come out firing to show that they are capable.  The Force completed the 2008 season with 7 wins and 11 losses - a long shot from a top 2 position.  With Logan now not in the competition their chances of seeing a final have been increased, even without stepping on the floor.   The team will look to Amber Stefanovic to lead them to water -she has a career to date average of 16pts, 6rbs, 2asts and was a clear standout last year. 

South West Metro Pirates v Gold Coast Gliders, Sat 25^th 5:15pm @ Hibiscus Sports Complex-
What a year the Pirates had in 2008 - they finished 3^rd overall only dropping 4 in the regular season and went onto a National Quarter Final.  The first time these two teams met in 2008, the Pirates collected a 76-62 victory.  Overall that is a tough pill to chew for Coach Riches and his squad, who are in a rebuilding phase after losing Bianca Abbott, Belinda Stubbs and Megan Thompson this year.  On one hand this is very concerning as it leaves a large vacancy, but on the other is opens up opportunities for players to step up to the plate -  Abele managed 11pts, 4rbs last year and will now assume a more senior role.  Good matchups here and should prove a decent hit out to open up their campaigns. 

Mackay Meteorettes v Cairns Dolphins, Sat 25^th 5:15pm @ Mackay Basketball Stadium-
The Meteorettes have been the quiet achievers of the League for many seasons, always super competitive and very conscientious.  Throw an Australian Opal into the mix and what do you get???  An outfit that is now a threat to all 13 other teams in the League.  Mackay announced recently that Rohanee Cox had signed with them and in an instant they became a Top 2 team in Queensland.  Combine this with the youth and exuberance of Marianna Tolo and the experience of Fiona McGrath who has decided to go around again and your left with a very strong team.  The Dolphins will be aware of this and having come off the back of a game against the Flames on Friday night know that the going will not come easy.  A super tough road double for the Dolphins to open their season with and a big ask for new Coach Valerie Nancarrow to go up against. 

Gladstone Power v Bundaberg Bears, Sat 25^th 6:00pm @ Kev Broome Stadium-
The Power have hit the big time this year recruiting Natalie Hurst and Jessica Bibby.  Hurst has been around the block- she's been involved in basketball at a serious level since 2000 and in that time achieved great things in US college, State League's within Australia, the Gems and the World Uni Games.  She's a gun for Canberra in the WNBL and should be out to teach the Bears a lesson.  Jessica Bibby is a Player / Coach and at 30 years of age has plenty of basketball experience to guide the Power to a level that has been never seen before.  The Bears will be on the ropes from tip-off and might just have to hold on for the ride.  The Power have already forgotten their disappointing 2008 year where they only managed 2 wins- 2009.... the sky's the limit! 

Brisbane Capitals v Northside Wizards, Sat 25^th 6:00pm @ Vince Hickey Stadium-
History would suggest the Capitals in this one..... but the funny thing about history is that it is exactly that, it's in the past.  The Wizards have struggled for form in recent years.  They were wooden spooners in 2008 and lacked the drive for more.  In 2009 however, a new year brings a new and fresh batch of talent.  They have recruited Megan Michael of the WNBL Logan Thunder; talented NZ national team member in Natalie Purcell; and Brisbane all-rounder Rachel Millwood.  Look out for a renewed spirit in this team who will be eager to collect a quick Round 1 win.  Coach Darren Austin joins the Capitals and will bring Championship winning experience to the squad.  Keep an eye on Dearbhla Breen who recently joined the Capitals out of New Zealand.

Maroochydore Clippers v Caboolture Suns, Sat 25^th 6:00pm @ Maroochydore Basketball Stadium-
The last time these two teams stood on the same court it was the Suns who did the most damage collecting a 69-54 win in the 2008 Quarter Finals.  The Clippers are running with a very similar squad and a good mix of local junior talent and experience.  Amy Browne managed an impressive 22.3pppg in 2008 seeing her finish the year as the 6^th highest offensive player and she will join the team again.  The Suns have picked up Simone Grant who has had a solid QBL career with a 4-year average of 12ppg, 6rpg and 1.5apg.  If the locals rally around her then they might just catch the Clippers off guard.