Oliver Lees
Wyndham has added more firepower to its line up in a bid to move on quickly from last season’s disappointing grand final loss in the Big V state championship women’s competition.
Wyndham was the dominant team all season finishing the year unbeaten from 21 games, but it was shocked in the grand final when the Bulleen Boomers beat them by five points, to deliver its first loss of the year.
The teams were tied 70-70 at the end of regulation, forcing the game into overtime where the Boomers pulled away.
Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said there were lessons to learn from that match up, but that his focus was on the future.
“To be fair we reviewed it a bit, but we haven’t put too much time into it,” he said.
“I think for the most part, the first couple rounds are just to focus on us and try to execute on our pre-season plan.”
Hillier said not too much will change in the way he coaches his side, which has led to one championship and two grand final appearances over the past two seasons.
But there are some new faces that will be joining the line up.
Julie Brosseau is Wyndham’s newest import.
Brosseau played at Kansas University before moving to Luxembourg to play in a professional competition. There she averaged 21 points per game along with five rebounds and two steals.
But what impressed Hillier the most, he said, was her three point shooting.
She shot the three at 40 per cent throughout that season in Luxembourg.
“She’s an international level three-point shooter,” he said.
“We’re a fast paced, run and gun team, so any chance to add a high level shooter to the program, we’ll take it.”
Amanda Paschal will welcome the support after carrying much of the load for her team in last year’s grand final, recording 34 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
Last season Paschal was named the league’s most valuable player and defensive player of the year and was named to the all-star 5.
She will return as captain for her third season at the club.
Hillier said Paschal has also taken an opportunity in the Big V off-season to be part of the Bendigo Spirit’s wider program in the Women’s National Basketball League.
He said he was particularly proud of seeing his players recognised with these kinds of opportunities.
“For us our main focus is making sure each player develops,” said Hillier, who was part of the Spirit’s coaching staff as well.
“How many kids can we get into state programs, how many kids can we get into the WNBL, that’s our core focus.”
“If we get a chip along the way, we’ll take it.”
Wyndham also announced last week David Ingham as the club’s new general manager.
Ingham brings a wealth of basketball experience as a player and a coach, including a stint as the head coach of the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL.
Wyndham will play its first game of the season against Bellarine on Saturday.
