Tara Murray
Despite not coming away with the win, the Sunbury Jets will take plenty of positives out of the weekend as they continue to search for their first win of the Big V women’s state championship season.
The Jets pushed last season’s grand finalists, the Bulleen Boomers all the way on Saturday night, falling just short 92-86.
Jets coach Simon Nicholson missed the game due to state commitments, but said the feedback he had been given was all positive.
“There were a lot of positives to come out of last [Saturday] night,” he said. “Bulleen is second on the ladder and we were able to push them to six points.
“Given the tough weekend we had last weekend, I’m proud of how they were able to come back.”
Ida Andersson top scored with 21 points as all five starters scored double figures.
Nicholson said while they had shown some really good signs this season, it was now about taking the next step and playing four quarter basketball to get that first win.
“Things have not gone our way early,” he said.
“We’ve grouped and refocused and got back on track with what we want to do and what we want to be known for as a team.
“When we play the way we want to and execute we are competitive with everyone. It’s about putting it together for four quarters and we haven’t been able to do that.”
Nicholson said he had made some adjustments to the game plan and the way they were playing and the group was starting to get more confidence in playing with each other.
One big part in that has been getting both their imports on the court.
“Ida has been around the pre-season, it’s been good to get her back on court,” Nicholson said. “She’s not 100 per cent and still recovering from ankle surgery.
“Dimitra [Gkizani] has fitted in really well and has done everything that we have wanted from her.”
Nicholson said they were hoping that the Boomers result would be the turning point for their season.
The Jets this week face the Pakenham Warriors, who they lost to by 37 points the previous week.
“Hopefully it will be a launching point and speaking to people I think it will be,” he said.
“Pakenham has won two games now. Last weekend was a low point for us.
“This is a really gettable game for us and we’re looking forward to it. We’ll see how the girls bounce back and look to build from yesterday [Saturday].
Meanwhile, the Jets men’s side suffered a thrilling loss to the McKinnon Cougars.
The Jets led early before a poor third quarter proved costly, as they lost 105-101.
Maxwell Barkeley top scored with 30 points.
