A PUNISHING Warrnambool Mermaids training session last night was designed to lift intensity heading into the first game of the Big V division one women's basketball playoffs.
"It's all about getting the job done on Sunday," Mermaids coach Peter Davis said.
The Mermaids go into a best of three-game series against Warrandyte Venom on the back of a week off and facing an unusual schedule - a Sunday afternoon game.
Davis has focused on scrimmages during the past month as his side played three of the top four teams.
"They were three good hard games that lifted our intensity. We've had a spell now and we need to get that intensity level back heading into Sunday's game. Warrandyte has tactically worked this out well and we would expect a pretty tough game," he said.
The two sides have met twice during the season, with the Mermaids handing out a 79-43 round nine flogging on May 22 in Warrnambool before Warrandyte got within five points (75-70) at home in round 16 on July 18.
Davis said Warrandyte matched up well against his side but was smaller and he nominated Warrnambool twin towers - Kate Sewell and Alana Jones - as key players on Sunday.
"No one in their team can really match-up and stop those girl. The closer to ring the more likely the ball is to go in," he said.
"We need to make sure those girls get opportunities in good spots but we also have some gun guards."
The coach said that in the most recent game Jennifer and Jazmine Borella top scored with 16 points backed up by Sharlene Dalsanto with 13 and Mollie Burke with 10.
He said there would be a focus on guard Janelle Lucas.
"If you look at their stats she is their leading scorer. Holly Greene played on her last time and kept her quiet (2pts). Holly always gets the main defence role in the guard department," Davis said.
"Jaz Borella is also a very capable player. They are an even side and it will be a tough game. I'm pretty happy with where we are at."
Davis said his side had no injury concerns although Maddy White and Ebony Rolph would miss Sunday due to Basketball Victoria intensive training camp.
"We knew at the start of the season this camp was on so we'll be a bit short numbers-wise. We also have another girl with health issues but she's looking good," he said.
"The opposition this week will be tough. Last time we met were level with two minutes to go and we won by five. That's what we're expecting, it's one of those game we just want to get through - go away and get the job done," he said.
Venom coach Justin Nelson told the Big V website that Warrnambool deserved to be flag favourite.
"They are a classy outfit, as you would be with two former WNBL players and an Australian representative, plus a host of Victorian junior players," he said.
"They really know how to get across the line in close games and that's a great quality to have in finals. The Mermaids are red-hot favourites."
Nelson said the Venom prided itself on defence and had held teams to an average of 48 points this season.
"That's a terrific reflection on our defensive skills, but we're going to need to score to win and that's the challenge we're looking forward to. It promises to be an exciting finals series," he said.
Sunday's 2pm game will be followed by return bout at Warrnambool on Saturday, August 14, with a game the following day if required.
Email a friend