Tara Murray
Wyndham’s title defence started in the right way with a big win against the Hume City Broncos in Big V women’s state championship.
On the road to start the season, Wyndham got the jump on the Broncos early.
Leading by four points at quarter time, the margin was out to 18 at the main break and 32 at three quarter time.
While the Broncos won the last quarter the damage had already been done, with Wyndham winning 92-66.
It was even spread for Wyndham with four starters racing double figures as every player got court time.
Speaking before the season started, Wyndham’s stars were keen for more success.
Import Amanda Paschal didn’t hesitate about coming back for a second season.
“It’s feeling pretty good and I’m excited for the season,” she said. “We definitely have a target on our back and everyone is trying to recruit the best, to beat us and I’m pretty excited for the season.
“There’s nice people and they play good basketball. G [Gerard Hillier] as a coach, he’s a pretty good coach and I’m excited to be back with my teammates.”
Joining Paschal as Wyndham’s other import this season is Sarah Bennett. She said she knew nothing about basketball in Australia before joining the club.
“As a new player coming, I’m excited to get to work with this team, bring home another championship with the club,” she said.
“I really like the style of this team, they play a really fast paced game.
“They have a lot of drive to win and I just wanted to be a part of that, do the same thing and bring home another championship.
“I didn’t not know much about basketball in Australia, but I just came across Gerard and I really liked what he was doing with the program and wanted to be part of it.”
While the imports play major roles, the side is focused on bringing through local talent as well.
Holly Dolny has played her whole life at Wyndham and said that her older teammates had been good in taking her under their wing.
Rachel Kerr is another of the younger players coming through. She said they were ready to fight from the start of the season.
“I’ve been here my whole basketball career,” she said.
“I’m really excited to see how we go from the start of the season to the end of the season.
“You don’t see it in many Big V teams that are very young group.
“We have AP [Paschal] and Sarah and encourage us and learn from.”
