Macedon Ranges Rockies are happy with their start to the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball league north-west men’s season, but aren’t content with what they’ve done.
The Rockies, who had a bye on the weekend, have a 5-2 record and have played some consistent basketball so far.
Coach Michael Ryan said they were really happy with how it was going.
“The team is great and the spread has been really good. After our last game we’ve got more and more players contributing,” he said.
“The depth is unbelievable. We have 11 guys averaging six points or more per game.
“It makes it hard for other teams to stop us.”
Ryan said they knew they had more depth than last season, but he wasn’t expecting a big spread as they’ve had so far.
He said it was a credit to the playing group and the work they had put in the last 12 months.
“We’ve got different guys performing in different games which has been incredible.”
The Rockies have had six different players be the top scorer in the first seven games showing scoring power that they’ve got.
The only player to lead the way in multiple games is Lucas Impey.
The return of Impey on the basketball court has been immense.
Having focused on football in recent years, Impey is averaging 18 points a game for the Rockies and enjoying being back on the court.
“He has been fantastic,” Ryan said. “The last couple of games he has continued to get his touch back.
“He brings a level of confidence to the group and it lifts everyone up.”
Sitting comfortably in the top four, Ryan said they wanted to ensure they continued the strong form for the last three weeks and hopefully into finals.
“We are really excited for the opportunity to hopefully play finals,” he said. “We’ve done the work so far and with three games remaining we hope to continue that.
“We’ve been scoring a lot of points but it’s the defence which has been fantastic.
“Zac Voight needs to take credit for what he has put in defensive schemes this year. It’s been a key to the success this year and how well we’re playing.”
Ryan said the week off at this time of the season had come at the perfect time.
It’s the sides only bye of the season.
He said after a heavy workload in terms of games, Ryan said it would be good to hit the practice court without the pressure of having to play as well.
Ryan said they have a tough run home with games against Bendigo Braves, Melton Thoroughbreds and Kyneton Tigers.
He said they would all be good tests heading into finals which they were keen to be apart of.
The Rockies women’s side also had a bye on the weekend.
The Rockies women have one win for the season.
The men’s side faces Kyneton in the local derby this Saturday while the women have another bye with the Tigers not having a women’s side.
