DESPITE only winning three games, it would be fair to say the Lady Bandits’ 2016 campaign was a successful one.
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On the whole, the team went from one of the least competitive in the league to one that proved itself capable of giving the top teams a run for their money.
In 2017, the challenge for coach Jim Wilson will be to keep the momentum going - unfortunately, things have gotten off to a rocky start.
Key players Haylee Lepaio, Alex Ciabattoni and Rebecca Guglielmino have departed, while Ellie Junod’s ACL injury has ruled out a return from her.
Molly Rice won’t return until mid-season, although she will continue to be a valuable presence on the sidelines.
It’s not all doom and gloom though - the import duo of Adijat Adams and Toccara Ross will add some much needed veteran savvy and versatility.
Former Lady Bandit Emma Mahady has committed to the club, while Montana Farrah-Seaton has also committed to playing a limited number of games.
Coach Wilson has made it his mission to build the side around as many young, local players as possible.
Steph Gorman is likely to start in the backcourt after a sensational breakout season in 2016, while Mel Kirby will see plenty of minutes as either a shooting guard or small forward.
Olivia Barber is another who will be given a chance to shine at a senior level.
Charlotte Beavan will also return after becoming one of the youngest Lady Bandits to make the roster when she debuted in 2016.
Youngsters Jovana Bukvic and Casey Ardern might be two of the youngest to play at SEABL level, but the hope will be that this season lays the foundation for years to come.
STARTING FIVE:
- Steph Gorman
- Emma Mahady
- Mel Kirby
- Toccara Ross
- Adijat Adams
The starters aren’t exactly a small-ball line-up, but there’s no doubt they will be undersized compared to some other teams.
What they lack in height and sheer physicality though, they will aim to make up for with speed and athleticism.
The key to the Lady Bandits’ offence lies in their pace and transition defence.
Spending too much time running offensive halfcourt sets against more experienced opponents will be a tough ask for the likes of Gorman and Kirby.
Gorman's average of 1.6 assists per game is the highest on the roster as it stands, so playmaking will be an area the Lady Bandits must improve on.
Coach Jim Wilson has recognised this, giving everyone in the starting line-up the green light to take good looks at the basket early on the shot clock.
The versatility of Ross and Adams, in particular, will be key.
Don’t expect to see any of the Lady Bandits backing down opposition defenders in the paint – forcing the required mismatch for those shot to be effective will be difficult.
Instead, expect aggressive driving and kicking from the likes of Ross, Adams and Kirby.
Gorman and Mahady are both proven spot up shooters from beyond the arc, and both should be able to generate some decent looks at the three-ball.
Gorman in particular has established herself as a strong threat from outside.
The young gun splashed what would have been a game-winning three against Sandringham in round 10 last year, had it not been just a fraction late.
With another year of SEABL experience under their belts belt, Gorman and Kirby look well placed to have a big impact on the Lady Bandits.
STRENGTHS
Multiple players can cover multiple positions for the Lady Bandits this season
Adijat Adams will start at centre, but is capable playing as a point forward in a pinch, thanks to her impressive speed and ability to put the ball on the floor.
Toccara Ross can cover the five, Mel Kirby can play as either a small forward or a shooting guard, and Emma Mahady has more than a few strings to her bow.
This will be to their advantage on the defensive end – their ability to defend opposition backcourts will be strong.
It will also help the likes of Gorman and Kirby, who will need help down there despite their burgeoning talent.
Though it's certainly a new-look roster, there's no doubt the Lady Bandits have some momentum behind them.
The constant blowout losses that have plagued the team were (mostly) a thing of the past in 2016 as single-digit losses and competitive contests became more common.
With youth comes exuberance and enthusiasm, something both imports noticed quickly after arriving.
Throw in the addition of Molly Rice mid-season and the makings of a very entertaining team to watch are certainly there.
The up-tempo brand of basketball the Lady Bandits are seeking to implement is one that should suit this roster down to the ground.
If they can defend at a high enough level, there's no reason the Lady Bandits shouldn't give themselves a chance against most opponents.
WEAKNESSES
Rebounding is going to be a problem at both ends.
With a relative lack of height and a young roster, good teams are going to be able to impose their will in the paint, offensively and defensively.
Second chance points will be hard to come by, putting all the more pressure on the defensive end.
There's also no doubt the Lady Bandits have lost a lot of talent in the off-season.
Though there is undeniably talent on the roster, the, age remains a factor and it will take time to settle in against seasoned competition at SEABL level.
Ultimately, don’t sleep on this team – they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve.