The Sunbury Jets won just seven games in last year’s Big V division 1 men’s basketball season.
This year, under new coach Grant Spencer, the Jets have won five of their first nine games.
“We’re in the mix to make playoffs for the first time in the past three to four years,” Spencer said.
“We just need to play with some consistency in the next few weeks.”
The Jets fell to Altona, 101-78, on Saturday night. The Gators came out of the blocks firing, with 36 points in the first quarter, and the Jets were on the back foot for the rest of the night. Corey Collier led Sunbury with 18 points.
Spencer, who coached Melton Thoroughbreds to a division 2 premier- ship last year, said the move to Sunbury had been what he expected.
“I’m originally from Sunbury and played here domestically.
“The area for me to emphasise when I started was to maintain the core group of players and re-sign them, which we did.
“It was then about trying to find some skill gaps, and I think we did that.’’
Spencer said he had been impressed
by the ability of his players to adapt to new roles.
“A couple of guys who have been starters the past few years are not this year, but they’ve been a massive support for me.”
Spencer also highlighted the develop- ment of local product Jay Boyle as a reason for the Jets’ success.
“Jay has sat in the background for the past few years and been a bit-player.
“He has exploded onto the scene this year. The skill level has always been there, [but] I have given him free rein to use his instinct, which he’s done.”
Spencer said the Jets needed to work on their consistency if they wanted to make playoffs.
“I think we’ve been lacking defensively and have lost concentration.
“The intensity up our defensive end has been our focus at training the last couple of weeks.”
The women’s side lost a thriller to Keilor Thunder on Sunday, 63-59.
Katrina Vogelezang top scored for the Jets with 15 points.
Tara Murray
