After losing most of the scoring power from the side that won the 2013 Big V state title, Hume City Broncos women decided to rebuild around some of the younger players.
Twelve matches into the season, coach Warren Taylor has had to reassess the team’s preseason goals.
“The initial plan was for a rebuilding phase,” he said.
“We lost the four players who did 75 per cent of our scoring last season.
“It was something we had to address and we were lucky with the marquee players we’ve got in.
“We’re still developing kids and building around them and our team is stronger than we first expected.”
Speaking after the Broncos’ 78-76 loss to Bulleen Boomers on Saturday night, Taylor said the 9-3 season so far could have been even better.
“[It] was the hardest loss we’ve had for a long time,” he said. “We were fairly untidy and a few people didn’t do their jobs properly.
“We can be a bit complacent against teams we should beat; all three losses were to teams not in finals contention. We should be 12-0, which is the negative side to our season.”
Taylor said American import Colleen Planeta had been better than he’d expected, while some of the younger players had stepped into roles left by experienced players.
“No one of the team from last year has had a breakout season, but we’ve had a few improve.
“Sarah Wright is a quality point guard. We set her to take the reins as the general of the side this season, and she’s done well. Vivien Saad has been solid and Sarah Scott is a true leader.”
Taylor said despite Saturday’s loss, making the top four was still the goal.
“The challenge is to find a way not to lose the unloseable games,” he said.
Tara Murray
