ALTONA Lady Gators will have a deep a bag of tricks for every occasion in the Victorian Basketball League Big V women’s division1 this season.
Flexibility to run with small or tall line-ups makes them a more dangerous and unpredictable match-up than previous years when they’ve relied heavily on their starting five.
The Gators rolled out the taller structure for the season-opener on the road against Craigieburn Lady Eagles on Sunday and to good effect, winning a hard-fought encounter 79-67.
“That’s the most exciting thing about this season,” Gators coach Sharon Grieve said. “We have so many options now: big or small.
“Our bigs did the job early for us and put pressure on Craigieburn, who got into foul trouble.”
The Gators carved up the hosts in the first three quarters to open up a commanding 23-point lead.
Their shot chart was heavily influence by points inside the key and they also thrived on a lopsided rebound count.
Brigitte Ardossi, the 188cm forward/centre, was spectacular under the hoop with 25 points and 19 rebounds. She was part of a threatening triangle of talls, which included mainstay Louise Johnston (13 points and seven rebounds) and newcomer Nicole McMahon (six points and eight rebounds).
McMahon is the wildcard for the Gators this season. She was a netball goaler and appears to have made a successful crossover to a new sport.
“She’s going to be a big asset for us,” Grieve said. “She’s very strong inside.”
■ Altona Gators had a tough start to life under new coach Kyle Slack in the Victorian Basketball League Big V men’s division1. The Gators lost both road games on a double-header opening weekend to arch-rivals Werribee Devils and at home to Camberwell Dragons.
Slack will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes when the Gators host Geelong Cats at the Altona Sports Centre on Sunday at 3pm.
– Lance Jenkinson
Women’s division 1: Craigieburn 69 lt Altona 79.
Men’s division 1: Werribee 80 d Altona 68, Altona 65 lt Camberwell 76.
