Macedon Ranges Rockies believe they have their strongest team in a number of years in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League north-west.
The Rockies have been around the mark to make finals without having the success they were after.
Coach Michael Ryan said they were excited heading into the season.
“It’s our strongest team in a few years,” he said. “The group is excited and added a few guys to the squad that have made us stronger, have more depth.”
Lucas Impey is the big signing for the Rockies.
Impey made every state team from under-16s to under-20s before fully turning his focus to playing football.
He’s part of Williamstown’s Victorian Football League list and recently played in a premiership with Darley in the Ballarat Football League.
It’s been a few years since he picked up a basketball.
“He’s been focusing on footy, but he’s been keen to have a run,” Ryan said. “He’s huge for us, when Matt Quinn did his achilles last year we were left short.”
Jack Dohmen-Jolly, who has been playing for the Sunbury Jets youth league side has joined the side.
Ryan said he will help in the back court and both Dohmen-Jolly and Impey are expected to be starters.
On the other side, Nick Grantham and Ethan Fiegert aren’t playing this year.
Ryan said while they were big losses, they felt they were further ahead than last year.
“We’ve stayed similar and we’ve got some more development into the younger guys again,” he said.
“Hopefully it comes to fruition. All the guys have improved in the under-25 bracket for sure.”
The Rockies started their season with split results.
On Saturday, the Rockies lost to Mildura Heat, 87-84.
There was nothing between the two sides all match, with the Heat doing enough to win.
Thomas Scott top scored with 18 points.
On Sunday, the Rockies opened their account against the Maryborough Blazers.
After leading by three points at quarter time, a 22-14 second quarter, opened up an 11 point lead at half time for the Rockies.
The Rockies continued to build the lead in the second half as they ran away with an 84-63 win.
Matthew Merrett top scored with 23 points, while three other players scored double figures.
Ryan said finals were the aim.
“Definitely, that is our goal,” he said.
“I’d be lying if I said I would be disappointed if we didn’t.”
The Rockies women started the season with mixed results as well.
The women were able to beat the Heat, 56-48, on Saturday night.
Scores were level heading into the final quarter, with the Rockies finishing strongly to get the win.
Kaitlyn Bickerton top scored with 18 points.
On Sunday, the Rockies lost to the Blazers, 73-50.
