St James College has once again showcased its sporting talent at the 2025 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival in Bundaberg, with both the boys and girls teams achieving outstanding results.

The boys team continued their impressive form, securing a fourth consecutive QISSN championship after a strong Grand Final performance against Mt Maria College. Earlier in the week, Mt Maria had narrowly defeated St James by one point, but the boys responded with composure and teamwork when it mattered most. CJ Lepasteur was named Player of the Grand Final, while teammates Tyrone Guce, Jayden Newell, Deng Joseph and Lepasteur were selected for the QISSN Boys All Stars Team. Ziad Baku was recognised as the boys’ Most Valuable Player for his consistent contributions across the carnival.

Coach Eliza Hoelscher said winning QISSN for the fourth time is an enormous achievement, which shows the calibre of boys netball at St James College.

“This team truly exemplifies excellence, with every player contributing to their well-deserved victory.”

“It was an absolute joy to witness and be part of such an incredible journey.

“Congratulations to one of the best boys teams—your achievement is truly inspiring,” exclaimed Coach Hoeslcher.

The girls team also impressed, earning fourth place in Division 1 – an incredible achievement given they were competing in Division 7 just two years ago. Their final game against Coomera Anglican College was tightly contested, with the lead changing multiple times. While they finished just outside the top three, the girls’ effort and sportsmanship were widely praised. Captain Mahlia Henare was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and selected in the QISSN Girls All Stars Team.

Coach Christina Carswell reflected on the girls’ growth as a team and their achievements over the week.

“Finishing 4th in QISSN is such a worthy achievement and deserves much recognition,” Carswell said

“Achieving this result wasn't easy but the players came together beautifully to make it look so, losing only one game in the pool round and three games in the entire carnival.”

Carwell praised the captains for their dedication and hard work.

“Our exceptional captains, Mahlia and Pela led from the front in dedication and hard work and demonstrated how Jimmies will never be beaten on effort- against any team.”

“It was sheer joy to watch the passion in the senior players permeate through to the younger teammates who responded aptly by bringing their A game to produce a gold standard of netball.”

“Standing ovation for the team,” Carswell added.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, and staff for their commitment and teamwork during a memorable week of competition.

QISSN is the premier school sporting event showcasing netball talent for boys and girls from Catholic and Independent schools across the state. It’s a week of high-energy competition, teamwork, and a proving ground for future netball stars. QISSN will be hosted in Brisbane by Emmaus College Jimboomba in 2026.

St James Player Specialty Awards 

Player of the Grand Final – Boys
CJ Lepasteur

Named Most Valuable Players
Mahlia Henare – Girls
Ziad Baku – Boys

Named in the QISSN All Stars Team – Girls
Mahlia Henare

Named in the QISSN All Stars Team – Boys
Jayden Newell
Tyrone Guce
Deng Joseph
CJ Lepasteur

St James College Teams at QISSN 2025

Girls Netball Team – 4th Place Division 1
Players:
Mahlia Henare (Captain)
Pela Pereira(Vice Captain)
Taisha Eketone
Tahira Muckan
Jade McRoberts Courtney
Kelylah Harris-Wihongi
Kaea Heke
Charvez Henare
Jasmina Salesui
Lucy Scott
Manaia Heke
Cartier Liukingi

Coach: Christina Carswell
Managers: Yolando Cano, Eliza Hoelscher

Boys Netball Team – QISSN Champions
Players:
Tyrone Guce (Captain)
CJ Lepasteur (Vice Captain)
Ziad Baku
Jayden Newell
Leoul Getahun
Deng Joseph
Gak Nhial
Jiel Akuar
Lasi Tapuloloo
Philip Harding
Jordan Lancaster
Koitaro Okawa

Coach: Atem Atem
Manager: Eliza Hoelscher