Craigieburn Eagles are hoping to finish the season on a high, with several winnable games in the run home in Big V women’s basketball division 1.
On results alone it has been a disappointing year for the Eagles, but coach Rod Sweeney said this season was about more than that.
“It isn’t until you look at the stats that you see what we have achieved,” he said.
“Every player has improved from last year in all key statistics. Individual improvements have been huge.”
Sweeney said much of this season was about teaching the side to back themselves.
“It was always going to be a development year,” he said. “We want them to take ownership of what is happening on the court. Some coaches make it so robotic [following plays].
“We lay the foundation plays in place and the girls are taught to take opportunities, get confidence and take the open shots.
“They still fall back into habits of wanting to pass, as shooting wasn’t their role before.”
Sweeney said getting the youth girls some experience in the senior side would continue to be a big focus at the club.
“Jess Wain, Emma Pullen and Rebecca Hassall are three girls who have been playing really well in youth girls,” he said.
“They are ready to take the next step up.
“Zoe Albon is only 17 but has done really well in her 11 games in the senior team.”
Sweeney said he was hopeful of getting a couple of wins on the run home against other sides in the bottom half of the ladder.
On Saturday, the Eagles fell just short against Hawthorn, losing 59-58.
After scoring just four points in the second quarter, the Eagles bounced back impressively to trail by only one point at the three-quarter mark.
They went goal for goal in the last quarter but the Eagles were behind at the final whistle.
“These sides are in the same boat as we are,” Sweeney said.
“They’re having development years and want to get wins as well.
“We are moving in the right direction.”
After scoring just four points in the second quarter, the Eagles bounced back impressively to trail by only one point at the three-quarter mark.The Eagles men’s side won 96-64 in division 2. They remain in top spot on the ladder ahead of Western Port on percentage.
