TAMWORTH Thunderbolts are preparing for one of their biggest basketball games of the season after celebrating one of their best Waratah State League road trips in recent memory.
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The John Ireland-coached side plays Port Macquarie in Port Macquarie this Saturday evening and does so on the back of wins over Hills Hornets and Hawkesbury in Sydney last weekend.
Hills Hornets are also defending State League champions.
“It was a big weekend for us,” Ireland said yesterday.
“Two of our best away wins for sure.”
After beating Hills Hornets 76-69 in their Castle Inn stadium on Saturday, they took on the Hawkesbury Jets on Sunday and overcame the big and aggressive Jets 70-64.
“We did it without Justin (Leehy) and Max (Chillingworth) as well,” Ireland said.
“We could have won by more against the Hornets too.
“We invited them back in late and missed some good chances down the stretch.
“But it was a real good, team defensive effort.
“They (Hornets) struggled to score in the final quarter.”
US import Jonny Miller led the way, scoring 20 points, with Luke Krug (14) and Rhys Chillingworth (13) also on target.
Against the Jets it was a different game.
“Completely different ball game,” Ireland said.
“Hawkesbury are big and physical across the floor.
“They came out and got the jump on us.
“They had us under the pump early but Jonny was outstanding.
“They couldn’t guard him. And Rhys made a number of jump shots.”
Chillingworth topscored with 21 while Matt Monckton also had a big game and came up with four big “clutch” free throws late in the game.
“It’s a real big confidence boost for this weekend in Port,” Ireland said.
“They (Port) had two big wins on the weekend too.
“Their new US import scored 35 in one game and 47 in the second.
“He’s going to be a big threat for us on Saturday.
“We’ll have to limit him as much as possible.”
