By JARROD POTTER
KEYSBOROUGH’S Big V women’s team – in its second season – has taken enormous steps under new coach Craig Smethurst.
With star recruits Billie Lucas – a Great Britain national representative – Emily Rider and Ashleigh Wright adding top-of-the-roster depth to the Cougars squad, Smethurst believes everything is coming together at the right time ahead of next week’s season opener.
“Obviously we had six or seven girls return this year and six we’ve added to the group this year, so it’s moulded the group together,” Smethurst said.
“With the BIG V having such a long pre-season, it allows us to put things together and we’re improving week by week, and that’s all you can ask for.
“Hope we’re ready for Round 1, but it’s all about building momentum and there’s a lot to happen between now and then.”
His Cougars had their last pre-season hit outs across the long weekend at the BIG V pre-season tournament, with Keysborough losing to Mornington on Saturday 24-31 in its first clash.
“It was not too bad – good first up hit out as we got everyone on the board and we have a few left to rotate in,” he said.
“For the rest of the weekend it’s about getting everybody through – the main five or six players you know already… it’s about finding out what everyone else can do.”
Smethurst’s side is keen to play – evident by starting centre Heidi Van Vugt’s eagerness to get on court this weekend despite having her tonsils out earlier in the week.
“At the tournament they won’t be playing the full minutes – our starting centre isn’t there as she had her tonsils out – but she wants a run,” Smethurst said.
“Sitting there on the sideline, she got a little frustrated and would rather get out there, so she’ll have a hit out against Melbourne Uni.”
Of the returning Cougars, Smethurst praised Van Vugt, co-captain Sarah Collins and Luci Johnson for taking the next step in their development and keeping pace with the new recruits.
Keysborough women will open the season against Melbourne Uni on Saturday from 6pm at Springers Leisure Centre.
Keysborough’s Men and Youth Men sides are off playing the Ballarat Basketball 47th Senior Tournament this long-weekend before their season opener against Coburg on Sunday.
