Hornets bow out of finals
For the first time since the 2012-13 Country Basketball League season, Horsham will not have a team playing in a conference grand final.
The Hornets and Lady Hornets both bowed out in home semi-final games at the weekend.
The youthful Bacchus Marsh Lions upset the Hornets, while the Lady Hornets could not contain Millicent Magic in the first game of the evening.
The Lady Hornets quickly found themselves staring at a 10-point deficit in the first quarter, which was cut to eight at quarter-time by a late Georgia Hiscock basket.
The Lady Hornets appeared nervous and were plagued by turnovers – a theme of the night for the team.
Millicent’s high-scoring duo of Emily Winter and Olivia Fuller feasted on Horsham’s turnovers, combining for 17 points in the first quarter and 47 for the game.
Horsham battled its way back into the game in the third quarter and trailed by a single point at the final break, with Caitlin Story leading the way and Ema Iredell working her way into the game after a slow start.
A free throw from Maddy Iredell gave Horsham its first lead of the game at 59-58 with little over six minutes remaining, but Millicent again turned to Winter and Fuller to get them out of trouble.
The Lady Hornets were unable to contain the duo in the paint, and they scored eight of the team’s final 13 points to cap a 71-62 victory for the visitors.
Lady Hornets coach Damien Kilpatrick said the game was a disappointing end to a solid season.
“We didn’t get the job done, and they were too good for us on the night,” he said.
“We had a high turnover rate and nerves played a part.
“They played a better game than we did – they made a lot of good moves on us and made their shots.”
Kilpatrick praised Story for her solid game.
She finished the night with 15 points, while Ema Iredell led the Lady Hornets with 19 and Faith Mckenzie also had 15.
Hornets
The Hornets, who finished the season as minor premiers, were also outpointed early in their game against Bacchus Marsh.
After Horsham captain Tim Pickert and forward Jordyn Burke scored the game’s first five points, Bacchus Marsh wrested back control and led by four points at quarter time.
Pickert tried to bring his team back in the second quarter but Horsham’s momentum was broken by turnovers and timely Bacchus Marsh baskets.
Horsham worked its way to within striking distance after half-time, but Will Feben – who finished with a game-high 25 points – made some timely shots to keep the Lions’ noses in front.
Several times in the final quarter the Hornets drew within four points of the visitor, and a Jeremiah Mckenzie three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining brought them within two points, but Feben again answered immediately to push the margin back to four. Horsham did not score again. Pickert finished with a teamhigh 22 points, including four three-pointers, while Mckenzie had 13 and Burke 11, but the rest of the Hornets were subdued offensively.
Hornets coach Cam Bruce said despite Bacchus Marsh’s win appearing to be an upset, he was not surprised by the Lions’ effort.
“Some people might be surprised, but I knew it was going to be a great game,” he said.
“They had a few players out when we played them earlier in the season. Their intensity from the start put us on the back foot, and we had some costly turnovers and brain fades.
“I think from the perspective of the people in the stands, it would have been a great game to watch.”
Looking forward
Kilpatrick and Bruce were both pleased by the emergence of younger players this season and believe their teams have a solid foundation to build upon.
Kilpatrick will step down as the Lady Hornets’ coach, but said whoever inherited the role would have plenty to work with.
“There are always things to build on,” he said.
“There are a few juniors who sat on the bench a bit this season, who in eight or nine months’ time with a bit of growth and practice will get the opportunity to play a few extra minutes next season.
“There is certainly more upside than downside.”
Bruce said he was also excited for the future of the men’s team.
“Everyone can see the development in ‘Jezza’ Mckenzie, Mitch Martin and Matty Lloyd recently, but then you have the likes of Sam Breuer, Austin Mckenzie and Harley Pope,” he said.
“There are six kids under the age of 18, which is pretty exciting.
“Some of them have their eyes on bigger and better things with footy, but if they stay around Horsham we will always open up the opportunity to play basketball.
“In the under-16s and under-14s we’ve got some handy players coming through, so we have to keep promoting them and that’s how the Hornets are going to survive for years to come.”
Bruce was unsure if he would continue as coach next season, but said he would remain involved with the team in some capacity.
He said he would start running again in March as he continues to recover from mid-season knee surgery.
Bruce thanked the Horsham Amateur Basketball Association committee and team sponsors and volunteers for their assistance during the season.