The Warrnambool Seahawks will look to freshen up over the Easter break after a resounding victory over Latrobe City Energy on Saturday night.
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Youngster Michael Barnes stepped up for his Big V debut and managed to score a bucket as the Seahawks prevailed 113-64 in their division one encounter.
Coach Tim Gainey said it was a great team effort but an unusual game.
"They only had six players so they were a bit short-handed," he said.
"The boys played well and executed the game plan.
"Our guys pushed the ball around every possession and they got tired legs."
It was an odd situation given teams usually have 10 players to draw on.
Gainey said the Energy had been struggling for numbers for the past couple of years.
Seahawk Alex Gynes had a night out with 25 points, following up from his 30 against Collingwood the week before.
AJ Cunningham also banked 24 points, including five three-pointers.
"He knocked them down when they were there to be taken," Gainey said.
The Seahawks mentor said he was pleased to welcome young Michael Barnes to the big time.
"He's been working hard," he said of the centre.
Barnes is one of seven young players the Seahawks are developing at the moment.
Gainey said it was a good time to blood the youngsters with the likes of point guard Josh Dean, James Mitchell and Aidan Carroll out with injuries.
The Seahwaks have a bye this weekend and will take a break on Tuesday night before some altitude training at a gym on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Warrnambool Mermaids will focus on their composure at training during the next fortnight.
The Mermaids were defeated 49 to 99 by the Keilor Thunder at The Arc in the championship division match.
Abbey Sutherland top-scored with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Assistant coach John Wormald said he wants his young team to "protect the ball" and get used to "physical pressure".
"We ended up having 27 turnovers and the majority of those were in the first half," he said.
Wormald said the Mermaids were more composed with the ball in the second-half and created more scoring opportunities.
"Our second-half was a lot better," he said.
"A lot more promising."
The Mermaids mentor said he might ask some Seahawks players to help provide defensive pressure at training.
The Seahawks and Mermaids' next game is on Saturday April 27 against Bulleen Boomers at The Arc.
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