The Seahawks fell to Keysborough Cougars 75-69 in a Big V division one men's clash at The Arc on Saturday night.

"It was a step in the right direction in the defensive end which is going to put us in good stead for the latter part of the year and finals," he said.

The coach noted defensive pressure was something to work on after the Seahawks won their first game of the season last month.

Gynes said Saturday was a great test for his side given the Cougars are the ladder-leader.

"I said to the boys at the end, it shows where we are at in terms of the competition, it was a great game for us," he said.

"They've blown teams out in their first three games."

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The coach felt the Seahawks missed injured big man Simon O'Keefe (lower leg) who didn't play on Saturday.

Gynes said O'Keefe would have lined up on the Cougars' best player.

The Seahawks mentor said he would see how O'Keefe pulled up from training this week.

Youngster Ben Walters, who played Country Basketball League last summer, made his Big V debut.

"It was great to see, he's put a lot of effort in on the training floor the past month or so," Gynes said.

The Seahawks leader, who took on the coaching reins just prior to the season, is keen on getting minutes into his young players and coached from the sidelines on Saturday night.

He feels the side has had a positive start to 2021.

"It's all about the bigger picture for me, to have the amount of input I've had from the group and the amount of people we've had at training, not to mention everyone else in-and-around the club in the basketball community - it's been fantastic," he said.

"When we can put effort like that (against Keysborough) on the floor, it makes it even sweeter."

James Mitchell, with 16 points and nine rebounds, top-scored for the Seahawks while Malakye Cunningham, Tim Gainey and Riley Nicolson contributed 10 points each.

The Seahawks face Warrandyte at Warrandyte Sports Complex on Sunday with tip-off at 1pm.

Warrnambool Mermaids had a bye this weekend and play Warrandyte at The Arc on Saturday at 7pm.

The Mermaids enjoyed a strong 92-65 victory against Mildura in their most recent outing.

Amy Wormald had a big impact with 27 points in that round three encounter.

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