THE Ballarat Rush will need to add some experienced heads to the line-up if they are to step up into finals calculations in season 2022 after an inconsistent 2021.
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Throughout the constantly interrupted season. there were flashes of good, a terrific last up win over top-side Bendigo showing what the team was capable of.
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But too often, the Rush let winning games slip, often due to their dreadful starts, which too often left them with too much to do after quarter time.
Disappointingly, the team was unable to secure a win at home, a win which they more than deserved on a number of occasions, most notably the opening home game of the season against Bendigo when they let a 13-point half-time lead slip to lose by seven.
There's no doubt there's enough talent in the Rush team to push up the ladder in coming seasons, but one thing needed will be more height.
Alicia Froling pretty much had to do all the heavy lifting on her own and should she choose to return after a stint with Canberra in the WNBL, she will need some assistance. Hopefully an import with height and strength will get a Visa for next season.
The youngsters showed plenty of potential and hope for the future.
Milly Sharp at just 16 looks a star of the future. Keeping her in Ballarat seems the biggest issue the club will face as she has US College written all over her.
Taylah Wynne finished the season with seven consecutive scores in double figures, hitting her stride late in the season and providing a much needed avenue to the basket.
Millie Cracknell, just 19 herself, started the year strongly before tapering off a little towards the end. Annie Collins showed she is another with big hopes for the future while Amelia Jarvis, while not getting a lot of court time, showed a desire and fight for the ball.
Recruit Jasmine Simmons played seven games and was noticeable when she came in with how the creativity of the team improved. What she lacked in points on the board, was more than made up for by her willingness to brings others into the game.
Strength will come as the young players mature in the coming years, but height will be needed in the form of an import if the club is to climb up the ladder in season 2022.