The NBL1 South finals are in sight for the Geelong United women’s team with just six games remaining.
United have made it four straight wins in recent weeks, further bolstered by last Saturday’s convincing win over the Melbourne Tigers, which put them level in eighth place with Eltham with eight wins and seven losses.
Geelong head coach Jamie Petty believes the pieces have come together for his team with an important two-legged double-header this weekend against Hobart at home and Nunawading away.
“All the girls are accepting and doing it together,” she said.
“We didn’t do a preseason together: the girls arrived late and Eve (Braslis) arrived mid-season. She was always going to take some time, but if we are moving forward, we know that our basketball can match anyone’s.”
Two wins against the Chargers and Specters would almost certainly propel United into the top eight.
Petty also praised veteran squad member Jessica Scannell and former United player and assistant coach Alex Duck for their contributions this season.
Following Petty’s announcement as coach, Scannell’s renewal and Duck’s appointment to the coaching staff gave the team a welcome boost at the start of the season.
“Jess has been incredible for us culturally; We have starters who sit on the bench a lot in training. As a result, Jess took on a leadership role with that second unit to really push our starters and that really makes our workouts competitive,” Pettty said.
“For Alex, though, it’s very good for the players to have someone who has been there, done that and won a championship before.
“She was a very cerebral player when she played and accumulated about 300 games as a point guard in this league. “That has helped her develop as a great coach and a great communicator on this team.”
For tickets to this week’s clash against Hobart, visit tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/tickets/nbl1-2024-geelong-united
