Hume City Lady Broncos are preparing for yet another season as the hunted.
Competing in the state championships division of the Big V basketball competition, the two-time defending women’s champions have been sized up by all opposition teams throughout the off-season.
But any hope rivals had of ending the club’s dominant run may come unstuck sooner rather than later, with the Broncos adding some serious strength to their 2015 playing roster.
The club has welcomed former McKinnon point guard Nicole Zammit, Craigieburn power forward Nicole McMahon and prolific scorer Natalie Karantzoulis, from Diamond Valley.
Two-time Lady Broncos premiership coach and now assistant coach Warren Taylor was rapt with his side’s signings.
“When you look at what we have brought in it is really exciting,” he said.
“We probably weren’t the best team on paper last year but we certainly were the best team when it counted.
“This year we probably go close to having the best list. The three girls we have brought in are all quality players.”
The Lady Broncos will be led by Katrina Hibbert, who has taken on the head coaching role after being an assistant coach at the club last season.
“Katrina is a breath of fresh air and has a different perspective on things which is really fantastic for the group,” Taylor said.
“I was there for two years and we have a fairly similar group to last year.
“So to have, not just a different voice but someone with the experience, the expertise and the knowledge of Katrina has been brilliant.”
The Lady Broncos began their 2015 campaign with a 65-42 away win against McKinnon.
The club’s first home game will be this week when it hosts Warrandyte.
As the two-time defending champions, the desire for success at the Lady Broncos is as high as ever according to Taylor.
“One of the enjoyable parts about being at Hume City is that the expectation is excellence and the expectation is to win,” he said.
“We were able to win the last two, and having added a couple of really talented pieces to the puzzle, it is definitely the target.
“Obviously anything can happen and we know that other teams are getting better.
“We know we’re the hunted and there is always that challenge to stay on top.”
