KEILOR Thunder will take its first tentative steps in the brave new world of the Victorian Basketball League BigV women’s division 1 this weekend.
The annual pre-season tournament at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre will be an eye-opening experience for Thunder coach Steve Toy and his newly-promoted team.
Last season’s division 2 champions will feature in four round robin games in an entree of what they can expect this year.
Toy is not overly concerned about results at the tournament as he sets about moulding his line-up for the March 17 opener of the season proper.
”We’re going to use it more to give everyone a go and try different combinations.
“We’ve got three new players and while it doesn’t sound like much, it’s 25 per cent of the squad.
“We’ll try and mix those girls in.”
The Thunder will be without starting centre Lauren Toy after she sustained a foot injury in a pre-season clash against Coburg Lady Giants.
They will have a no-risk policy with their best defender in the paint, who remains in doubt for the start of the regular season.
The silver lining is the Thunder’s recruitment of three players at the taller end of the height scale.
Ashleigh Chant has oozed with potential in her time in the under 20s.
The raw youngster will be given the first crack at filling Toy’s role in the short term.
“She’s got a bit of an X-factor about her,” Toy said.
“The hardest thing to teach is composure in traffic and she doesn’t rush, she very good inside and rebounds well.
“If she gets off to a flyer, she could be a starting-five player.”
The Thunder’s policy is to promote from within the organisation or the local area.
They do welcome back former players who have left to play at higher levels.
The return of forwards Sally Braybon and Danica Pederson has generated a buzz of excitement.
Braybon, in particular, is a massive signing because of her division 1 experience with Altona and Whittlesea.
“She was originally from Keilor and went to play at Altona and Whittlesea,” Toy said.
“She brings a lot of experience and she’s a good inside and outside player.”
Women’s division 1 round robin fixtures
Saturday: 12.50pm: Keilor v Latrobe City; 6.20pm: Geelong v Keilor.
Sunday: 12.50pm: Warrandyte v Keilor; 5pm: Keilor v Camberwell.
