The Hornets will field teams in the under-16 girls division three and four and the under-12 boys division two competitions.

The under-12 boys division two side is coached by Tony Sleep.

Sleep said this would be the young players’ last tournament for the season.

“They have shown terrific improvement for a largely bottom-age team,” Sleep said. 

“I am really looking forward to seeing how they go at the weekend in Naracoorte.” 

Sleep said it had been a year of learning for the team. 

“Many of the team still has next year in the same age group,” he said. 

“So this year has definitely been about learning the right skills to play the game.” 

For the Hornets’ under-16 girls outfit, this will be the last hit-out before the team competes at the Basketball Victoria Country division three and four championships. 

The championships ware in Bendigo on March 25 and 26. 

Coach Damien Killpatrick said the players were looking good coming into the Naracoorte tournament. 

“I don’t have any expectations coming into the competition,” he said. 

“There is one very good side going to the tournament.

“That is Millicent.

“They have a strong junior competition and if a team doesn’t turn up they will beat you.” 

Killpatrick described the tournament as “just another hit-out”.

“I treat every tournament as a practice match,” he said. 

“It doesn’t matter if we win or lose, it is about putting our plays and defensive shut downs into a game situation. 

“I pit the girls against the hardest teams throughout the season for development.

“Our win-loss record may not look good with three wins and and nine losses but it will benefit them when we get to the championships.” 

Killpatrick said whether the side won or lost would still be of benefit developmentally.

“It is all about experience and exposure,” he said.