Ringwood's secret to success?

Feature image via: Shane Panther

Starting undefeated and sitting at the top of the NBL1 South ladder, the 2022 champions, the Ringwood Hawks will have to maintain home-court advantage to ensure another title run. 

The 5-0 Hawks have a 15.6-point margin of victory while being an efficient offence and tenacious defence, holding the teams to 85 points or less going into Round 3. 

During the week, star import Digna Strautmane said that the current group has been improving game-by-game. 

“We’re getting better every game. We haven’t been together for a long time, as a team. I think every game we’re going to be better,” she told the NBL1 South. 

In five games, Ringwood has had nine players score in double-digits or more – showing the versatility and trust head coach Jeremy O’Toole has in his squad. 

“The group's ability to adjust and find different ways to win has been pleasing,” he told NBL Media.

“With five games in 11 days, we had to make games a grind and fight through the physical and mental fatigue that comes with that. We have a group that compliments each other well and if someone is in foul trouble or not playing their best, others have been able to step up and keep momentum going our way, allowing us to win games.” 

But with the rosters of the Keilor Thunder and conference champions Bendigo Braves, featuring more WNBL talent than you can count on your fingers, the Hawks will need to maintain their chemistry and winning formula to have a chance at the title once again. 

O’Toole explained that Ringwood’s secret to success is in the group itself, both on and off the court. 

“Our group just loves being around one another. They all get along really well and want to see each other do well,” he said.

“Of course, there are a number of talented teams competing for a championship, but we feel if we can keep improving, particularly defensively over the course of the season, we have a group that is capable of winning big games when it matters.” 

The biggest standout for the squad has been Ahlise Hurst. The Sydney Flame has burst onto the scene as a lights-out shooter, and O’Toole believes she’s a must-watch in this NBL1 South season.

“She has had a very strong start to the season and has made an impact on games consistently,” he said.

“She can change games quickly with her shooting but she has also shown the ability to make plays for others and defend at a high level which has impressed us so far.” 

The Ringwood Hawks have a double-header in Round 3, travelling to Ballarat to take on the Miners, streaming live on Saturday from 5:30pm AEST. On Sunday, they’ll host the Hobart Chargers from 12:00pm AEST, both games streaming live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.