Page 2 - Ipswich Force News Today

The inaugural season of the NBL1 North is stacked full of exciting talents as we put together a list of the top young players from around the league.

New-look Ipswich basketball side finding its range in competitive NBL1 North competition.

Premium Content Subscriber only IPSWICH Force head coach Chris Riches knows how valuable the NBL1 North series will be as excitement builds for this weekends new competition launch. "Its been a long time coming with the false start that we had last year with COVID, Riches said. "Everyone just wants it to start. Theres a real sense of just getting underway with it and us being able to take off with the rebranding of having it as NBL1. "Theres been a lot of positives that a lot of association...

THERE was one thing that stood out for me in our story this week with former Ipswich state MP Rachel Nolan and her view on the past, present and future of her city. As she reflected on her own time as an MP, her relationship with former mayor Paul Pisasale and the dramatic changes that have occurred in the past four or five years, Ms Nolan commented that she believed Ipswich was at a critical point in shaping its future. I’m sure this comment resonated with a lot of readers as there has been ...

Premium Content Subscriber only HAVING secured arguably the best player for this years NBL 1 North womens competition, Ipswich Force players, coaches and fans are counting down the days. Medal-winning Olympian Abby Bishop will bolster the talented Ipswich womens line-up when she returns to Australia following her latest stint with top four European league team Virtus Bologna. For new Force head coach Brady Walmsley, the wait will be worth it. "Its a big signing and I think its probably bigg...

Premium Content Subscriber only WITH a core of home grown players, the Ipswich Force mens basketball team has been progressing tremendously in recent years. This season, they have the perfect player to inspire them further. Force has secured professional National Basketball League and Australian Boomers achiever Matt Hodgson for the inaugural NBL1 North season starting next month. After last years new competition was postponed due to COVID, the Force men reached the semi-finals of the Queen...

Premium Content Subscriber only HAVING settled back into Canadian life, Ipswich basketballer Cooper Ward has a heartfelt message for his friends. "That I miss everyone so much and that I hope I am making them proud, Ward said. "Its tough you know. I dont really keep in contact with them cause its so hard with the time difference and I cant talk to everyone at once. "I just dont want to forget anyone I have met cause everyone has played a part in where I am today. The Ipswich product return...

COVID has a lot to answer for with another major event cancelled. However, there are some silver linings as an Ipswich superstar from last season is on fire in a national competition. The South African cricket tour unfortunately was called off during the week when Australian health officials had major concerns for the player safety. Cricket Australia left it until the latest possible time before giving fans the news they were dreading. This will not give the Aussies time to regain some bro...

Premium Content Subscriber only HAVING scored more than 7700 runs and taken 260 plus wickets in South East Queensland cricket competitions, Ben OConnell is a player any team would welcome back. Even though hes not planning to do much bowling in the near future, the powerhouse top three batsman is keen to make a valuable contribution. He returned to the Laidley first grade side in recent weeks after a successful two-year stint with Broadbeach Robina in the stronger 12-team Gold Coast competit...

Premium Content Subscriber only AS a highly respected and successful coach of Ipswich athletes over the past 30 years, Calvin Hegvold knows better than most what it takes to lift young competitors to the next level. It is not x’s and o’s but rather forming a strong bond between coach and player. “You’ve got to be passionate about it otherwise you’re not going to put in the time,” he said. “I think most of it is about having a relationship with the people you’re coaching. Calvin...