Tara Murray
Wyndham is seeking to fine tune its game as it aims to peak in time for the Big V men’s championship finals.
Wyndham has been the clear standout all season, with just two losses for the season.
While happy with what they’ve been able to do so far, coach Lucas Allen knows they have a lot of work to do.
“We’ve been working towards playing our best basketball and we’re slowly getting there,” he said.
“Last week was good… We had two solid games and great with the process of the defensive side of the ball across the two games.
“It was really good that every player, including the bench players played important meaningful roles.
“This week we were good for a quarter. We weren’t as strong as the week before.”
Against the Bellarine Storm on Saturday night, Wyndham had to come from behind to get the points in the 110-102 win.
A 29-15 final was enough for Wyndham to get across the line.
“Games aren’t won in the first or second quarters and if we keep chipping away at our brand, it will eventually turn,” Allen said.
“In that final quarter we had a 24-2 run and were playing some really great basketball at both ends of the floor.
“We need to string it together for more than six minutes.”
Wyndham’s versatility and depth has been on show all season and again came to the fore against the Storm.
Imports Troyce Manassa and Myles Thomas both had quiet games, while Oskar Jones (27 points) and Adetomi Ayilara (28 points) stepped up.
Allen also highlighted the performances of a couple of their bench guys as well.
“Josh [Norling] has been super important for us the last three games,” he said.
“Beau [Koscak] has come into his own in the team as well. We have multiple contributors that when someone has an off day, someone else steps up.
“Multiple guys are a threat and things will happen.”
Wyndham has six games remaining before finals. It sits two games clear at the top of the ladder.
Allen said they would focus on solidifying their half court defence which has been an issue at times throughout the season.
Wyndham’s women also had a bit of a scare against the Bellarine on Saturday night.
Wyndham took a solid lead in the middle two quarters before the Storm came home hard, falling just short 77-74.
Amanda Paschal top scored with 29 points while also having 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
