Warrnambool Seahawks didn't get the result they wanted but coach James Mitchell could see something greater had been achieved on Saturday night at the Arc.
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It wasn't long ago indoor sports were off-limits and the stadium empty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Seahawks, on Saturday, played their first home game of the Country Basketball League season and had a strong crowd cheering them on.
"At the end of the day we can all sit here and get sad about wins and losses and everything but we're just lucky to be here," Mitchell said.
"With healthy family and friends able to watch us and run around and play a game of basketball.
"At the end of the day, it's a massive positive just being able to do what we love and have our family able to come and watch us, even if it is with masks on and sitting apart."
While there was plenty to be grateful for, Mitchell was disappointed with his team's performance on court.
The Seahawks fell to Portland Coasters 73-65 in their round two encounter.
Liam Killey top-scored for the home side with 19 points.
"We came out asleep, Portland had the right game plan there and they came out ready to play," Mitchell said.
"We can sit and make excuses but it's absolutely hats off to Portland the whole way through.
"They came out and played the right way, they played with intensity and played the whole way through the game."
Mitchell described it as "a wake-up call" for his team after a strong win in round one.
Teenager Mojwok Akoch was a shining light for the team in his CBL debut.
Mitchell said he was one of the Seahawks' best.
"Mojwok has been fantastic at training, he's been absolutely training the house down," he said.
"As a 17-year-old kid that showed up - that's what this (CBL) program is for.
"We're obviously running around trying to win games but we want to get young guys ready to play at Big V level."
The coach said the hard-working youngster had a big future ahead of him.
The Seahawks play Ararat Redbacks at the Arc on Saturday January 30 in round three.
"We've just got to build from it, we took a step back in a lot of areas tonight," Mitchell said.
The Seahawks mentor said he would be demanding more effort from his players.
"It's being the first one to the ball when it's coming off the ring, the first one to the floor when it's on the floor, stepping up on defence, it's talking and being active," he said.
"It's all the energy and effort stuff where we need to improve."
Mitchell said BJ Steere would return for the Redbacks game after missing the Coasters clash.
"He was our best player last week so he'll be a big in," he said.
"It was a good chance for some younger guys to step up while he was away.
"But we're very confident with the team we've got here and what we can do, we just need to put together the way we train."