The Chemist King Mount Gambier Lakers cannot afford to appear sluggish from the Christmas break with a big weekend ahead as the 2021/22 Country Basketball League South West season resumes.
In a season troubled by border restrictions, the Lakers men and women will be looking to turn a page in 2022 and hope the new year brings more court time and success.
The women have been on fire winning four of their five fixtures to sit a comfortable second on the ladder, two games clear for their nearest rival.
Mount Gambier’s only blemish occurred in the last round before the break.
In a potential Grand Final preview the Lakers met undefeated ladder-leader Warrnambool in Portland and found out what it would take to become CBL champions for the first time.
Initially Mount Gambier appeared to be the real deal outscoring the favourites to hold a solid lead.
However, Leah Bartlett and Molly McKinnon shifted gears and turned the game on its head, sparking a comeback which created too much momentum for the Lakers to handle.
The Mermaids eventually swam to a 11-point win, but left the court knowing they will have a fight on their hands with the Limestone Coast outfit for the rest of the season.
Mount Gambier bounced back straight away with a tight win over the Horsham Hornets less than 24 hours later to head into the break on a winning note.
The Lakers have recharged their batteries and need all the energy they have as a huge double header awaits.
Action recommences with an away battle against the Hornets on Saturday night, but Mount Gambier will lock its eyes firmly on is home game the following afternoon.
When the clock ticks midday on Sunday afternoon, it will be game on at the Ice House as the Lakers aim for revenge against Warrnambool.
The likes of Tara Bryant, Mikaela Horrigan, Johanna Jones (pictured), Sophie Miles and Keryl Ousey will be names to watch having showed their class in the previous battle.
With the halfway mark of the season already crossed, the top-of-the-table battle could determine Mount Gambier’s chances of a minor premiership.
The Lakers’ men have been hurt by the ever-changing circumstances and sit on the bottom of the ladder with just one win against Horsham under their belt.
This weekend they will enjoy the comfort of playing at home when the Warrnambool Seahawks come to town on Sunday afternoon.
The pair have not met in the 2021/22 season, but Warrnambool’s 3-1 record appears imposing.
However, a Mount Gambier squad boasting names such as Kyle Tipene, Sam Stafford, Jordan Hollitt and Nathan Forbes cannot be underestimated, particularly at home.
