Northside Wizards to claim back-to-back titles?

Feature image via: Judd Green

A burning question leading into the NBL1 North’s conference finals is - can the women’s Northside Wizards claim a back-to-back title?

While against the same opponent in the Rockhampton Cyclones, the 2024 North MVP AJ Johnson stressed the fact that this year’s Grand Finals Series will be far different. 

The Wizards comfortably took a 2-0 lead in 2023 to win the conference title, and the Rockhampton Cyclones will be looking for a redemption series. 

Related: Rockhampton seeking “redemption”

“As much as it is a rematch from last year, we are two different teams with two different strengths and weaknesses,” Johnson told NBL Media. 

The 34-year-old spoke on their individual game and the change in roles they’ve experienced since the team’s last season’s Grand Final Series. Taking on more of a leadership role and ultimately acting as the driving force on both ends. 

“No matter what, I can control my attitude; I can control my effort; I can be a good teammate,” they said. 

Despite the increase in responsibility, they said they’re grateful for the opportunity to play for a memorable team.

“I also do my best to keep all of this in perspective - with everything going on in the world, it is truly a privilege to be able to play basketball and be part of this community,” Johnson reflected. 

“I give myself permission to lean into the fun l that I am so grateful to access through getting to participate.”

American star Erin Bollmann believes AJ Johnson is one of the best teammates she’s ever played with ?

But can the newly-minted @NBL1North MVP win back-to-back titles?

Find out on Saturday against North Gold Coast from 6:00pm AEST Live & Free via Kayo Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/9XKQ9vYOZJ

— NBL1 (@NBL1) July 23, 2024

Preparing for game one of the Grand Final Series, Johnson assured the Wizards are ready to give everything they have to run it back. 

“We have worked incredibly hard, and we owe it to ourselves, each other, the coaching staff and all the folks behind the scenes to go out there and give everything we have,” they said. 

“At the end of the day, the outcome will be what it is. But we are hungry for another title and ready to do everything in our power to bring it home again.”

Game one of the NBL1 North’s Grand Final Series tips-off at 6:30pm AEST on Friday night, streaming live and free via Kayo Freebies. 

The series continues on Saturday from 6:00pm and if required, from 2:00pm on Sunday.