After a strong return to the QBL in 2017, which culminated in the Southern Districts Spartans claiming the Women’s championship on the back of an undefeated season, the Club has spent little time in re-signing head coaches Rebecca Lewis (Women) and Ben Thompson (Men) for the 2018 campaign.
“Rebecca has been a part of the Spartans family for many years and epitomises the culture, passion and success our club strives for while Ben has built a successful program to take the club to the next level and is extremely well respected in the basketball community” general manager Peter Foster said. “We are extremely fortunate to have re-signed both of these talented coaches for the 2018 season.”
In 2017 Ben brought a fresh look to the Spartans Men’s program and focussed on developing strong links with local juniors and the wider community. With the hard work on club culture now complete, Ben is primed to return the Men’s team to championship contender status. “It is great to be back in charge of the Southern Districts Spartans QBL for the 2018 season. After what can only be described as an interrupted and disappointing 2017 season not making the playoffs, I can honestly say I am excited by the opportunity that this QBL season brings” Ben said.
Rebecca has a different task on her plate this year. Having blitzed the season in 2017 to become the reigning champions, she is well aware that the team will need to take it to another level to mount a successful title defence “After such an incredible season last year there will be high expectations on us this year to go back to back” Rebecca said. “While we were unable to retain a large portion of our team from last year through retirements and the points cap, the players we have retained, along with our juniors who are ready to make an impact, will position us well to mount a championship defence”.
The club expects to announce significant player signings in the next few weeks for what are shaping up to be two star studded line-ups that are set to challenge for the 2018 Queensland Basketball League championship.
For updates on what our teams are up to in the preseason and for news about our upcoming season please like us on Facebook at Southern Districts Basketball Association or follow us on Instagram @sdspartans or Twitter @SDBASpartans.
