Sport
1 February, 2024
Full strength ladies ready to fire
For the first time this season, the Hornets' ladies are at full strength and are ready to fire when they travel to face a strong Portland squad in their semi-final on Saturday in the Country Basketball League.
Having last won the championship in the 2013/2014 season against Portland, they have a great mix of experience and youth to tackle the finals series head-on.
Madison Iredell, Jess Cannane and Caitlin Jones-Story are still present from their 2014 championship win against Portland whilst teenagers Cara Tippet, Izabella McIntyre, Maddison Bethune and Jemma Thomas have all held their own this year and provided plenty of relief.
They reached the playoffs thanks to a thrilling overtime win against Millicent in the final round and with finals all about pressure, that should put them in good stead.
Boasting the two leading scorers this year in Emalie Iredell on 152 points and Olivia Jones on 151 is massive, and if they fire, the Hornets are going to be hard to beat.
The two times they have played Portland this year, they lost 62-90 away and 68-81 at home, but didn't have the full contingent of players. Now that they do, veteran Jessica Cannane said they have a nice combination that can not only win on Saturday but also the championship.
"I think going into this match we have that nice combination and we are pretty deep in our lineup with experience and have a few young girls coming through which balances it out," she said.
"It's really exciting to be moving into the semi-finals and who knows what we can do. This is our strongest and deepest lineup this season and everyone is at full health."
Portland is a young side and with the Hornets at full strength, Cannane knows that will go a long way to winning the match.
"Every time we have played them this year they have had 12 or 13 girls suiting up," she explained.
"It will be good to play them with a full squad and deep bench. Having our seven senior players available will go a long way to winning.
"To be able to get through a game with our full side, we will be able to take it to them and with our blend of experience and youth, we are ready to hit the court and go from there."
When asked if having a home Grand Final should they win gives an extra boost, Cannane said it most definitely does.
"Yes, it gives an extra 5%. It is a bit of a shame we have split from the men this week but hopefully we can both play in the Grand Final," she said.
Coach Rebecca McIntyre's philosophy of providing a great environment has gone a long way to the success of the team and said there is absolutely no pressure at all.
"Our goal is to provide an environment that we strive for our best and to develop the juniors and make them feel included and welcomed," McIntyre said.
"It's all about keeping the girls together, playing hard, and most of all having fun whilst they do it."
In the other semi-final, Warrnambool host Mt Gambier.