Faith McKenzie is ready for the Lady Hornets semi-final on Saturday

A semi-final against Millicent Magic on Saturday night at the Horsham Basketball Stadium is the only obstacle between them and another grand final appearance.

But the game against Millicent looks set to be a tough encounter.

The Lady Hornets have played the Magic twice this season, with both teams winning one match each by a combined margin of just 11 points.

One player that will be key for the Lady Hornets to topple the Magic will be versatile star Faith McKenzie.

“I’m a bit nervous about it actually,” McKenzie said. 

“I think I just get nervous before every game.

“But Damo has a lot of faith in us this weekend – we know their key players that we have to stop.”

McKenzie returned to the Lady Hornets this season after two season’s away from the side. She has been on a tear and has established herself as one of the best players in the competition, averaging 16.2 points per game, the fourth most in the South West Women division.

“It has been a really good season, the girls have all played well,” McKenzie said.

“Hopefully we can keep going and get the win this weekend.”

Lady Hornets coach Damien Kilpatrick was full of praise for McKenzie and said she would be a key component in Saturday’s contest.

“Faith is a hell of a competitor,” Kilpatrick said.

“No matter the circumstance or the situation she’s there to compete – she doesn’t know how to give up.

“She’s also incredibly versatile – if we need a job done I normally go to her first.

“To me, she’s definitely one of the best players in the league.”

McKenzie said she has enjoyed playing under Kilpatrick this season and had learnt a lot from his hardened approach.

“I’ve loved having Damo coaching,” she said. “He’s pretty tough but he does push us to be our best and he always has hope in us.”

The men's Hornets also face a difficult assignment this weekend against the Bacchus Marsh Lions. 

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The Hornets ran away with an easy victory when the sides last played in round two, but the Lions were missing several key players and have steadily improved since.

The Hornets will be buoyed by the return of youngsters Austin McKenzie and Sam Breuer for the contest, adding even more to the Hornets already remarkable depth of talent.

The Hornets defence will be key, as they will need to be wary of key Lion’s William Feben and Jordan Kirk who are both averaging nearly 20 points per game this season.