AT 3-8 halfway through the season, the Albury-Wodonga Lady Bandits still have a good chance of achieving their best ever record under coach Jim Wilson.
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Sometimes though, the universe intervenes – occasionally with benevolence, but more often with what feels like cruelty.
With that in mind, lets look at how the Lady Bandits have fared midway through the season.
- Emilee Harmon (24pts, 9reb, 2.7ast, 57%FG, league 3rd scoring, 2nd total points, 2nd off reb, 2nd FTM)
Harmon has done it all for the Lady Bandits, period.
Short of developing a three-point shot, it’s hard to pick on any areas the gun import could improve on.
Regularly dealing with double teams, Harmon is still making a case to be considered one of the league's top five or ten players.
- Kristi Mokube (15/9/1, league 1st TO, 1st total fouls)
It’s been a mixed bag in Mokube’s firsts season in Australia.
At her best, she’s clearly a very good complement to Harmon and a good influence on her younger teammates.
Taking care of the ball must be a priority in the second half of the season, as well as continuing to adjust to the way the game is whistled in the SEABL.
Take care of some of those issues and Mokube will have a much bigger influence on the game.
- Emma Mahady (9/5/3, 41%3PT)
Mahady’s ankle injury has been a major blow.
The team’s best shooter, she’s been a steady presence at both ends of the floor, while still having room to improve.
When her shot is falling, the Lady Bandits become much more dangerous.
- Molly Rice (8/4/1.5)
Another of the team’s veterans, Rice’s experience has shone through in her return to the court.
Like Harmon, mentoring the likes of Mel Mirby, Olivia Barber and Katelyn Russell is a priority for Rice, and the continuing improvement of those players is testament to that.
Like others, once her shot starts falling things will pick up.
- Mel Kirby (3/3/1)
Asked to do more due to injuries to teammates and has struggled offensively, but that will come with time.
Importantly, she hasn’t lost any desire to compete on the defensive end – her toughness at her age makes her stand out.
Still has tremendous upside, particularly if she can hone her three point shot.
- Head coach Jim Wilson
Lapses on the defensive glass will be driving Wilson up the wall, but all in all, the development of the club’s youngsters continues apace.
Wilson has empowered the likes of Casey Ardern, Charlotte Beavan and others to play far beyond their size.
Surrounding those developing players with the right imports is crucial, and getting Harmon back to the Border and the recruitment of Mokube are both big ticks.
