WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks coach Shane Smith says a fast start is imperative against Country Basketball League south-west conference leader Mount Gambier Lakers tomorrow.
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The inexperienced Seahawks will play the undefeated Lakers on their home court.
Smith said Warrnambool had produced dominant quarters but lapses had hurt them against the summer competition’s stronger sides.
“We have come home strongly. But we want to be in the game early,” he said.
“If we’re in the game at half-time we’ll use our enthusiasm and youth.”
Smith said the Seahawks, coming off a bye with two wins from six matches, were a work in progress.
He wants them to use tall stocks Liam Killey, James Mitchell, Curtis Ryan and Jeremy Bolden to advantage.
“It is more so getting used to having big targets, being confident to get it in their hands,” Smith said.
“If they can’t score, they can push it out to the perimeter.
“Liam in the last game was awesome and James Mitchell as well has been dominant and getting into games.
“Jeremy is having an awesome season and Curtis is progressing every week after a lay-off.”
Ryan, who will miss tomorrow’s clash, signed a letter of intent with University of Alaska Anchorage on Monday.
He will move to the United States next year.
“It is really exciting for him … to experience the heartland of basketball,” Smith said.
In other round seven games, Portland Coasters play a double-header at home to Mount Gambier tonight and Timboon Taipans tomorrow.
Mount Gambier plays Portland tonight and Warrnambool Mermaids tomorrow in women’s competition.