Bacchus Marsh Lions are hoping to take the next step in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League north-west.
After making finals last season, the Lions have strengthened their squad under coach Monique Caparello.
Caparello said they felt they had put together a really good team.
“It’s a nice looking team and we’ve gained a few players on minimum points,” she said. “We also wanted to build a core of a Bacchus Marsh program.
“We have really solidified it and we’ve improved the local cohort and just think they will only get better with experience.
“We’ve got some experienced players around the team, even more so in all parts of the ground.
“It’s a well balanced team this year”
Maggie Kratochvil, who is a Bacchus Marsh local, joins the side having played with Bendigo a couple of seasons ago,
Olivia Ogston, who played with Ballarat in the National Basketball League 1 South competition, has returned to Australia from college.
Kayla Salmons played with Eltham in NBL1 and Keele Hillas also has NBL1 and Big V experience have also joined the side.
“The experience those four bring into the program is invaluable for us,” Caparello said.
“They are great people as well. They will help nurture the group we have.
“They will look to lift everyone up to a higher standard.”
Caparello said they would have some younger local players involved in the side again as they look to help foster the next generation.
She said that was a big focus of hers.
Bella Griffiths who was a development player two seasons ago is back with the team, while Ava Sliwa has graduated from development player to being a rostered player.
The Lions have also strengthened the coaching staff, with Chris Tighe coming on board as an assistant coach.
Caparello and Tighe have worked together at the Sunbury Jets, but this will be the first time they’ve coached a side together.
“His experience will be invaluable,” she said. “He is level headed and it’s nice to work with him on the bench.”
The Lions are set to kick off their season this weekend.
Caparello said they had set their expectations high.
“I wanted to bring a championship back to Bacchus Marsh,” she said. “Last year we were pretty close.
“Hopefully players stay healthy and we can put our best foot forward and we are in with a chance.”
It was a tough start for the Lions, as they suffered a big loss on Saturday night to the Maryborough Blazers.
A 27-10 second quarter proved to be the difference as the Blazers won 67-46.
Trinity Steele top scored for the Lions with 13 points.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh’s men’s side started the season with a 102-87 win against the Blazers.
The Lions did the damage in the middle to quarters to win, 102-87.
Zak Martinez top scored with 20 points for the Lions.
Both Melton Thoroughbreds sides had byes to start the season.
