Latrobe currently sit 6^th on the ladder, just 1 win behind us with a 9/6 record and will be a tough assignment.We will really need to limit the influence of the Energy’s 2 American import players Jordan Coleman who averages 23.8 pts, 8.7 rebs & 2.4 assists per game and Raheem Lemons 17.1 pts, 15.9 rebs & 2.1 assists. Role players such as Ben Barlow, Steve Bonnaci, Thomas Portbury & Stephen O’Brien will also command some serious attention throughout the contest.

 Whilst our recent form since the mid season break has seen us win our past 3 games, there is still plenty of room for improvement. We started slow last week and found ourselves in a 12 pt hole at quarter time on the back of some very lackluster defense. We played much better team basketball during the 2^nd & 3^rd quarters as we really cranked up our defensive intensity to outscore Camberwell 45-19 in that stretch and controlled the contest from that point.

 In an even spread which seen all players hit the score sheet our leading scorers were Matt Bartlett 19, Nick Dodd 15, Reggie Fuller, 14, Bailey Michel 12.

It was good to get some of our bench kids on court again and was happy with what Josh Labatlus & Sam Beks showed late in the game after Nick Dodd really ignited us with his efforts during our pivotal 2^nd quarter run.

 These young guys really compliment our senior core group very well and have the ability to really excite the crowd.

 However we will need big efforts from our entire group this week at both ends of the floor to secure another important win to help us consolidate our position in the top 4 for at least another week.

 Gator’s fans get along and support your team this Sunday and remember to be very loud again, it certainly helps.

 Go Gators.

Leigh Bathman

Head Coach.