Coach Brad Chalmers assembled a potent offensive squad during the off-season and the Border club has reaped the rewards accordingly.

A perfect 6-0 record at home — the only team to remain unbeaten on its own court — is positive proof of the early success.

GRADING THE 2015 ALBURY-WODONGA LADY BANDITS

Imports Cory Dixon and Donte Nicholas have been as good as advertised, Dixon providing low-post scoring and rebounding while Nicholas has been lethal as an athletic swingman.

In the backcourt, guards Daniel Sepokas and Deba George took time to settle in, but once they found their feet, they have proven to be one of the better play-making combinations in the league, averaging a combined 32 points a game.

Forward Clay McMath has shown flashes of form, while the bench crew of Alex Bogart-King, Matt de Koeyer, skipper Michael Watson and Josh McKay have all had key roles in the Bandits’ winning ways.

Consistency is still an issue, with the Bandits, at times, getting by on sheer talent alone. Defensively, there are times when the Border outfit has looked vulnerable and Chalmers will be keen to see an improvement at that end of the court.

With four of their final six games at home, the Bandits are well placed to seal a top-two position and make a serious run at a conference title.

13g, 52.2 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 57.0 FT%, 12.0r, 1.3a, 21.1p

HAS provided everything the Bandits expected when they signed him. Athletic pivot does it all, with enough intensity for the rest of the team combined. Fifth in the league in scoring, second in rebounding. Needs to improve mediocre free-throw shooting.

11g, 53.6 FG%, 42.3 3P%, 72.1 FT%, 7.4r, 2.4a, 17.6p

TAKE him on in the open court at your peril, Nicholas has been a terror to opposing play-makers since the opening tip. League leader in steals a game average while proving to be particularly efficient at the offensive end. Missed two games with an Achilles complaint.

13g, 38.9 FG%, 39.3 3P%, 65.4 FT%, 4.2r, 1.8a, 16.2p

TOOK a few games to adjust to the step-up in class from the Waratah league, but once he did, has looked right at home. Shooting better from international waters than from inside the three-point arc. Another one who needs to get that free-throw percentage a few points higher.

12g, 41.7 FG%, 29.2 3P%, 82.1 FT%, 2.8r, 3.2a, 15.8p

A SLOW start quickly gave way to some vintage George displays, including 22 points against Geelong that included 4/5 shooting from three-point range. Endured a quiet pair of games in his return to Tasmania last weekend and will be looking to make amends.

13g, 33.8 FG%, 25.0 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 5.7r, 0.9a, 8.8p

STARTED out on fire, with 22 points in the season opener. Scoring tailed off in alarming fashion before bouncing back in the home win over the Supercats. Continued to rebound and play well in defence, even while suffering a shooting slump.

13g, 47.9 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 41.2 FT%, 3.6r, 0.5a, 5.9p

HAS taken well to his sixth man role, providing scoring and rebounding off the bench. Stood in for two games for an injured Nicholas and performed well in the win over Dandenong, hitting seven shots without blemish. Now, about that free-throw shooting . . .

13g, 31.3 FG%, 25.8 3P%, 100.0 FT%, 1.2r, 0.3a, 3.0p

LONG-range bomber has been slightly off the pace this year, although he did score 11 points in the victory over the Rangers in round 5. Provides veteran experience off the bench and has been good defensively.

13g, 23.1 FG%, 25.0 3P%, 37.5 FT%, 1.7r, 0.6a, 0.8p

AN eight-point performance against Bendigo in round 2 was an unexpected offensive highlight, but has again settled into a primarily defensive role off the bench. Still throws his body into the rebounding fray with reckless abandon.

9g, 55.6 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 75.0 FT%, 0.8r, 0.0a, 1.8p

PROVIDES steady bench play in extremely limited minutes as a back-up big to Dixon and McMath. Knows his role and more importantly, his limitations. Chipped in with four points and three rebounds in the win over Dandenong.

13g, 8 wins, 5 losses, 1st in East conference

After two years of misfiring on import choices, he got it right with Dixon and Nicholas. Has overseen massive player turnover and still molded a cohesive unit in a surprisingly short time. Demands defensive intensity and commitment.

INCOMPLETE (has not played enough games to receive a grade): Jessy Wilson