Solid victories as
Horsham Hornets and Lady Hornets showed no signs of holiday rust at Horsham Basketball Stadium on Saturday night, both posting solid victories against Geelong in their first games after the Christmas-new Year break.
The Lady Hornets took the court at 6pm and were in immediate control against the Supercats.
Five Lady Hornets scored in the first quarter, led by forward Faith Mckenzie’s eight points, and helped the home side to a 24-8 lead.
The margin was never closer than 11 points after quarter time as Horsham cantered to a 71-46 victory.
Centre Caitlin Story was at her best for the Lady Hornets, with 20 points in her 50th game.
Coach Damien Kilpatrick Story for her consistency.
“She doesn’t do anything wrong, ever,” he said.
“She is such a consistent player for us week in and week out.”
Kilpatrick also lauded the contributions of Mckenzie, who finished the game with 18 points.
“She was her usual self as well,” he said.
“She always gives 110 percent when she’s on the court. praised
“It might lead to occasional mistakes, but you know she’s always going to give full effort.”
Young guard Nekaela Butler stepped into the starting line-up for the first time in the absence of Shannon Cross and sisters Ema and Maddie Iredell.
“We only told her a minute before the game that she was starting, but I thought she handled it really well and played a great game,” Kilpatrick said.
“Our goal at the start of the season was obviously to win the whole thing, but also to start developing some younger players.
“If Nekaela and some of the other young players can consistently play like she did, we’ll be in a good position for years to come.”
The Lady Hornets will be at home again this weekend, with a doubleheader against the Warrnambool Mermaids on Saturday at 6pm and Bellarine Storm on Sunday at noon.
Kilpatrick said the Lady Hornets would have a full team to pick from.