It was that familiar so-near-yet-so-far tale for Altona Gators in a 72-60 loss to Southern Peninsula Sharks in the Big V basketball men’s division 2 at Hillview Stadium on Saturday night.
The Gators have been competitive in every game this season, but remain third last with a 1-5 record that has not reflected their fighting qualities.
Gators coach Des Radoslovic believes his team has lacked a go-to player down the stretch in games.
“We’re always in it right until the end,” he said. “The group is obviously fighting.
“We just lack that little bit of star power.”
One aspect hurting Altona is the lack of an imposing presence inside the paint. But the Gators might have found a solution to that with the return of centre James Till.
Till left the Gators in the off season, pursuing a contract with Werribee Devils in the men’s state championship, but that did not work out and he is back at The Swamp.
Till came off the bench against the Sharks and made 12 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes.
“He’s going to be a key piece,” Radoslovic said.
“He’s a big fella, athletic six-foot-seven, he’s so important to us because we don’t have much size and he’s our biggest player.”
Till will make the players around him even better. It will take pressure off James Webster, who can be deployed as a stretch four after picking up his offensive game in recent weeks.
“He’s one of our bigger guys and he’s been shooting the three ball really well,” Radoslovic said. “He’s always been a good defensive role player and a good steady veteran body, but he’s stepped up his offensive game of late.
“He’ll benefit from Till coming in as it will free him up a little bit more.”
Tommy Scott has been a good leader for Altona this season. Scott is another who will benefit from the defensive presence of Till.
“He’s just a tireless worker,” Radoslovic said.
“He’s our best defensive player, he’s got a great work ethic … he’s a good all round player.”
It was Southern Peninsula’s stars who decided the game.
Benjamin James got hot from long range, dropping seven-from-nine three pointers for 25 points, while Colin Voss had 22 points and 17 rebounds.
Altona will continue to resist the urge to bring in an import in favour of developing home grown talent.
The Gators have an important double header weekend of matches, starting with a trip to Sherbrooke Suns on Saturday night and a home game against Pakenham Warriors on Sunday.
Lance Jenkinson
