Hume City Broncos continue to do what they’ve done in recent Big V state championship seasons, but their coach reckons they will need to step it up considerably if they want to be in the mix later in the season.
Besides a four-point loss to undefeated Knox, the Broncos have won all their matches by at least 12 points.
Yet coach Katrina Hibbert says there’s significant room for improvement in skills and application to training and playing.
Hibbert’s frustration was clear to see on Sunday when the Broncos took on an undermanned Diamond Valley. Already missing key personnel, the Eagles suffered a major setback when their best player, Alexandra Sharp, hurt her ankle in the warm- up and didn’t take to the court.
The Broncos started well and led by 18 points at half-time. In a closer second half, the Broncos still outscored the Eagles, winning 89-65.
“I thought we played well in the first half,” Hibbert said. “In the second, we allowed them to score 45 points so there’s certainly some areas we have to tidy up. The girls need to start addressing that within themselves and as a group.
“They need to start understanding that while we’ll get these wins easily and Colleen [Planeta] has had 27 points, if we can’t execute and play solid defence as a team come finals time, it’ll be a very short-lived finals series.”
Hibbert hasn’t been afraid to use her bench this season. On Sunday, every player played at least 12 minutes.
Mua Laloifi scored 13 points and Olayinka Olorunnife, in her first game back, chipped in with 11.
“If I feel like you’re not listening to instruction or not playing with intensity, then I’ve got opportunities to sub and give someone else an opportunity,” Hibbert said.
The coach said that as Nicole Zammit would be gone for two months during the season, it was always on her mind that her point guard spot would need to be filled.
“We’re trying to find someone who can do that and find points for us,” Hibbert said
The team was still without Samara Gallaher for Sunday’s game due to concussion and she will leave next week to join the New Zealand team for an Olympic trials training camp.
The Bronco men inflicted on Diamond Valley its first loss in the state championship. The Broncos led at every break to win 91-85.
Lee Jeka was on fire from behind the arc, scoring seven three-pointers among his 34 points.
