Wyndham passed not only the physical battle, but the mental battle in a tough run of matches in the Big V women’s state championship.
The ladder leading Wyndham have been tested in recent weeks, with a number of matches against those sides in the top four.
With the exception of a loss to the Sunbury Jets, Wyndham has come through this period with flying colours.
Wyndham coach Gerard Hiller said it had been a really good test for the playing group, which can’t slip any lower than second.
“The last six weeks we’ve played other teams in the top four,” he said.
“It’s fatiguing, but what we needed heading into finals.”
Hiller said the group had been able to string together some good basketball throughout the period, to claim significant wins.
He said they had also found a bit more depth in the squad which would be vital come finals, with no second chances this year.
“We’re sitting on top and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but we’re there for a reason,” he said.
“It’s credit to what we are doing. The imports are doing well and doing their jobs.
“Some of the juniors are starting to get more significant roles and more game time. Winning games is one thing, but playing the younger players for longer periods of time is the important thing.”
Hiller highlighted Rachel Kerr, Mackenzie Drew and Holly Dolny as three players who are now getting more minutes.
All three could still be playing juniors.
He said all three were playing defensive roles, while Dolny and Drew were both shooters, who were understanding where to get their shots better.
Hillier said with finals and home court advantage already sealed, the focus was on fine tuning things in the lead up finals.
This week Wyndham faces the McKinnon Cougars.
“The last three games are against teams that are outside the finals and can not make it,” he said.
“They are still dangerous. It’s more about solidifying our style and playing who we are going to in finals.”
