Hobbs has scored season-highs in the Hornets' last two matches, with 12 and 13 points - his highest scores across three seasons in the Country Basketball League.

Hobbs said Hornets' new coach Tim Pickert had instilled confidence in all of the side to shoot more frequently.

"I've been shooting a bit better lately which is unusual for me - I've even made a couple of threes," Hobbs said

"Tim has been encouraging everyone to shoot. He says he'll drag you to the bench if you don't shoot an open shot.

"Back in the day, big fellas like me and Skuzz (Damien Skurrie) didn't used to shoot. Now we are encouraged to shoot and dribble, which is great."

Hobbs, 25, has become an important role-player for the Hornets across the last four seasons, after he gave up football and focused primarily on basketball.

"I stopped playing footy three years ago - I just wasn't enjoying it," Hobbs said.

"I didn't play basketball for a while there so it's been a bit hard to come back. You lose your touch, so I feel like I'm just working my way back into it."

It has seemingly all come together for Hobbs across the last few weeks, as the Hornets have continued a dominant streak in the South West Men conference, winning their last six games by an average of 45 points.

"It's just good to string a few games together this year - I had a few issues last year with my hamstring and didn't get a consistent run at it," he said.

"The team is playing really well.

"I just try to bring energy and defence, those are my main things. That and rebounding. We're not a tall team, so it's an area we struggle with."

Hobbs said he has loved being back in the Hornets' system.

He even enjoys the long road trips to away games - much like the Hornets face this weekend travelling to Millicent and Mount Gambier.

Hobbs said one of the most rewarding parts of his basketball career was watching the youngsters come through the ranks.

"I'm impressed with the juniors coming through at the moment. The way (former coach) Cam Bruce and Tim have improved the juniors over the years, it's really good to see," he said.

"I've been around now for four years, and to see some of those kids come though like Jezza (Jeremiah McKenzie) and Mitch Martin, who are now some of the best players in the league, it's really awesome.

"Now we've got young kids like Ryan Pfitzner and Joel Freijah coming through, who will hopefully be the next Hornets' stars."

The Horsham Hornets and Lady Hornets will both face tough assignments in the Country Basketball League at the weekend.

The two sides will travel to South Australia for double-headers against Millicent and Mount Gambier.

For the men's Hornets, the contest against reigning premiers Mount Gambier will be the biggest challenge of the season so far.

The Hornets will be without star guard Jeremiah McKenzie for the road trip, and will need to look elsewhere to replace McKenzie's average of 26 points per game.

Mount Gambier may also pose a challenge for the Lady Hornets, although the Lakers are largely an unknown quantity.

Mount Gambier have played just one game in the South West Women conference this season, an impressive victory against the Warrnambool Mermaids.

The Lady Hornets lost to the Mermaids by just four points in a tight encounter at home in their last match.

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