Zitina Aokuso, Inspiring the Young
The interest and hype surrounding CBSQ continues to build at a rapid rate, and this led to a significant overhaul for the tournament in 2016. Amongst changes to rules, division structures and qualification, the biggest positive to come out of this restructure was the increased capacity for competing teams. A mammoth 123 teams from 91 schools participated in 2016, easily eclipsing the previous record of 107 teams set last year.
Held from September 15-18 in various stadiums throughout Logan, this year’s CBSQ was again a highly competitive tournament with excellent basketball on display and plenty of surprises along the way. With the dust now settled we congratulate this year’s State Champions:
GIRLS – Brisbane State High School
After finally breaking through last year to claim a maiden championship, BSHS proved themselves to be the new heavyweight of girls’ school basketball by achieving back-to-back titles. An otherwise dominant campaign almost became unstuck at the semi-final stage, BSHS holding on grimly against a gallant St Margaret Mary’s in what was arguably the game of the tournament. In the final they came up against tournament surprise packets and QGSSSA rival St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly), and despite fighting hard throughout, St Peters would prove no match for BSHS who eased home 97-65. Well done also to John Paul College who continued their enviable record at this tournament by claiming Bronze.
BOYS – Hillcrest Christian College
Coming into the tournament as almost unbackable favourites with a team loaded with State representatives, Hillcrest achieved what was expected by claiming this year’s championship in clinical fashion. They swept through the pool stage and crossovers with ease, registering triple figures all but once, to face off with this year’s GPS champs Brisbane State High in the decider. While BSHS put up good resistance early, the class of Hillcrest started came through late in the second, and from there they continued to streak away to win convincingly 100-42. Well done also to St James College who medalled for a fourth straight year in taking out the Bronze.
As CBSQ champions, BSHS girls & Hillcrest boys will now represent Queensland at the Australian Schools Championships in Melbourne during December, while St Peters Lutheran girls have also secured a wildcard to compete. BQ wish all three schools the very best of luck.
BQ would like to thank all schools for their involvement in what was another fantastic four days of school basketball – we look forward to doing it all again next year!
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