Tara Murray
An understrength Keilor Thunder had a tough night out against the Ballarat Miners on Saturday night in the National Basketball League 1 South.
Already missing New Zealander Tera Reed, the Thunder were dealt another blow leading up to the game, with Opals squad member Maddy Rocci hurting her ankle at training on Thursday night.
While the Thunder were missing their stars, the Miners had a night out in a 90-72 win. A Miners win never looked in doubt after they led 25-17 at the first break.
Thunder coach Kristi Harrower said it was a tough night for the group.
“They were really good opposition,” Harrower said. “They have three legit WNBL starters that can play great basketball.
“Chloe Bibby is in the Australian squad and it was really tough for us. Injuries to two of our main players made it hard.
“They were an experienced group and we couldn’t stop them on the night.”
Harrower said they spoke about the Miners three stars before the game started but weren’t able to stop any of them.
Chloe Bibby, Abigail Wehrung and Mehryn Kraker scored 85 of the Miners’ 90 points such was their dominance.
Harrower said they were able to go on some runs, but weren’t able to do it for long enough.
Harrower said the loss of Rocci hurt with not only her playing ability but also her leadership and experience on the floor.
“As much as we have a great team, we have a young team,” she said. “Izzy Bourne is only 23 and she had a bad night.
“The two Lilys [Lilly Rotunno and Lily Carmody] are only 18 and 20 and Grace [Graham] is only 20.
“They are a young group that is inexperienced facing an experienced team.”
Harrower said the experience though would help the younger players grow as they get the opportunity to see what it is like to play at the next level.
Penina Davidson was the standout for the Thunder in the loss with 35 points.
“She was big on the offensive end,” Harrower said. “She carried the team and was big for us.”
The loss has the Thunder sitting in third spot with seven wins and two losses.
Harrower said they were hopeful Reed would be back in a couple of weeks, while they were expecting Rocci to miss two to three weeks.
Now having played five rounds, Harrower said they have an idea of where they sit in the competition.
“I think we are up there, that’s for sure,” she said. “There are some things we need to put in place, it’s about finding the time.
“Hopefully get through these injuries and we can still be competitive.”
The Thunder men also lost to the Miners on Saturday night.
The Miners led from start to finish in the 113-83 win.
The Thunder now sit ninth on the ladder with five wins and four losses.
The Thunder teams this week face Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night.
