By Tom Ingleton
Keilor Thunder coach Kristi Harrower is embracing the challenge of a new National Basketball League 1 South women’s season, confident in her group despite some early disruptions.
The Thunder were a revelation last season under Harrower making it through to the grand final before falling short at the last hurdle.
“It’s really exciting,” Harrower said.
“We are still missing a couple of players in our group, but it’s a new group which is a lot bigger this year, so it’s exciting.”
One of the key elements of Keilor’s off-season was maintaining its core squad, a decision Harrower believes will pay dividends.
Maddy Rocci, Madi Puli, Isabelle Bourne, Penina Davidson and Macey Boyle all return. Davidson will miss the start of the season.
“Keeping that core group together for me was really important,” Harrower said.
“Instead of going and getting an import overseas, I’d rather go for the imports here in Australia. To have two of the really up-and-coming players in Australia at the moment, in Isabelle Bourne and Maddison Rocci, makes a huge difference to our group.”
Harrower’s reputation as a coach has continued to grow, with several players expressing their desire to play under her guidance.
Harrower coached the Southside Flyers in the recently completed WNBL season.
“Oh look, it’s nice that they say that sort of stuff,” she admitted. “But I know myself, I still have a lot to learn as a coach. I’m the first to put my hand up and say that. I think it’s just the IQ that I had as a player that makes a big difference. As a coach, I try to teach them along the way and give them confidence. Even if players aren’t playing I make sure they still feel part of the group and I’m trying to help them.”
Keilor has also made roster adjustments to address last year’s depth issues, which saw the team shorthanded during the grand final.
“It was really important for me to get more depth into my group, get more players that weren’t playing in the youth league,” she said. “I didn’t like the fact that we only had seven players sitting on a bench or seven players warming up, so depth was a big thing.
With a stronger squad, Keilor has set high standards but is also aware of the challenges ahead.
“Look, we’re going to have a really disrupted season with a few key players missing,” Harrower said.
“If we can finish top two, it will be nice, but I’m not sure how we will go this year. That’s not downgrading us, but it’s just how disrupted this team is going to be with people in and out so much because of certain commitments.”
Ultimately, Harrower believes the team’s experience from last year will be invaluable.
“As long as we come good at the right time of the year, hopefully, the experience we had last year can take us one step further.”
The Thunder started the season with back-to-back wins on the weekend.
On Saturday night, the Thunder beat the Diamond Valley Eagles, 90-74. Bourne finished with 39 points, while Rocci had 36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On Sunday, the Thunder beat the Mt Gambier Pioneers, 100-70. Bourne finished with 24 points and Rocci with 23 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.
