KEILOR Thunder went from a big fish in a little pond to a small fish in a big pond when promoted to the Victorian Basketball League Big V women’s division 1 this season.
The Thunder are getting a taste of their own medicine, battling out of their weight division and struggling with the physical demands thrust upon them.
Coach Steve Toy admits the Thunder had an intimidation factor about them last year that had gone since their promotion to the state’s second tier.
“We had a reputation of being like bullies last year. We’re getting pushed around a bit this year because teams are just physically bigger than us.”
That is not to say the Thunder have not been competitive. To the contrary, the newly promoted team has been alive deep in most games to remain a mathematical chance of reaching the finals.
Toy has found that his ‘bigs’ – Katherine Black, Michelle Reid and Lauren Toy – are thriving on the tests provided by the high quality opposition.
“They relish it,” he said. “It’s a challenge every week for them.”
Ashleigh Gunn has been a massive contributor.
The shooting guard took time to adjust to the new division, but now she believes her game can succeed at the level.
Jessica Francke is still the Thunder’s primary scorer, averaging 12 points per game.
The Mavors – captain Kristen and Karla – remain important in the team structure.
Before Sunday’s clash with Southern Peninsula on the road, Toy said his side had “four winnable” games out of their last six and if they could sneak an upset in the other two games, finals could be on the radar.
Meanwhile, the Keilor Thunder was beaten 84-74 by the Melton Thoroughbreds in the men’s division 2 on Saturday night.
