WARRNAMBOOL Mermaids’ youngest players believe the lessons they’ve learned from their experienced teammates will help them feel comfortable in their Big V finals debuts.
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Molly McKinnon, 16, and Lily Killey, 17, will suit up for the Louise Brown-coached powerhouse in game one of their semi-final series against Coburg Giants on Saturday night.
The Emmanuel College students are among the emerging basketballers to benefit from the Mermaids’ revival in 2017.
The Mermaids have proven a force in their comeback season after a three-year hiatus from the statewide competition.
They finished atop the division two table with a 19-1 win-loss record.
Killey, who plays as a centre, said being part of a successful outfit had helped her development.
“It’s been a bit scary but fun at the same time,” she said.
“It’s been really good to play with the older girls. I’ve learned so much, like sealing under the basket and to get in there and be aggressive.
“You’ve got to keep going and play the whole game, not just snippets of it.”
Shooting guard McKinnon, who is the Mermaids’ leading scorer, said the physicality was the biggest challenge.
“It’s different to playing junior basketball – it’s rougher,” she said.
The Mermaids will play the Giants on the road on Saturday night and host game two and, if needed, game three next weekend.