THIS season has its share of what-ifs for Ballarat Rush - close calls that could have gone their way, matches they almost polished off, struggling to gel early on.
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Fittingly, Harvey Norman Rush finished the season in the aggressive, relentless and united style it has showcased since a mid-season turning point in the South East Australian Basketball League. Rush finished 11 points short of south conference top team Kilsyth on the road. Three-quarter-time the margin could have been four points, only for former Rush star Steph Cumming to nail a big, long three-pointer for the Cobras.
Rush was set to take its core eight player. Co-captain Kristy Rinaldi was a late withdrawal with illness but still sent video messages to her teammates, who each logged good minutes. This was a solid team performance. Olivia Thompson was stellar with 26 points, 14 rebounds. Kasey Burton made 19 points, six rebounds. Sophie Alexander was handy off the bench with five assists. Rush coach Peter Cunningham said it was little things, missed free throws, that kept Kilsyth an edge.
“Given we were 43 points down against them last time, this shows how much the girls have improved,” Cunningham said. “Roughie (Eliza Roughead) did a great job, playing 12 minutes against the top side. We have a couple of girls on WNBL rosters. They’re the bonuses of this season.”
