THE Tamworth Thunderbolts have moved into top position on the Waratah League division one ladder after a resounding victory over the Hawkesbury Jets on Saturday.
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Playing in front of a packed Tamworth Sportsdome crowd, the Thunderbolts lead from start to finish, running out 109-58 winners.
Four Thunderbolts players reached double figures in the 51-point victory, with Brock Mcmahon (24 points), Quayshun Hawkins (21 points), Rhys Chillingworth (18 points), and Riley Murphy (13 points) helping set up the victory.
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Thunderbolts coach John Ireland told the Leader, Saturday's victory was the result of a "complete team performance".
"There is a really positive feeling around the group at the moment that has been there since the pre-season," Ireland said.
"We are a really unselfish group who, to a man, are all focused on playing their role for the team.
"It's great to see and is no doubt the reason we have started the season with two wins."
While the Thunderbolts offensive weapons were powerful, so to was the defence, which kept Jets spearhead Omer Akech to just five points.
"Our defence was really strong throughout the game," Ireland said.
"It was a big focus for us heading into the game and to restrict them the way we did was just fantastic.
"Hawkesbury can be a very dangerous team, so to see the defensive efforts of all of our guys was really pleasing."
Ireland said his team's ability to finish the game strongly was equally pleasing.
"In the past we haven't been able to put four consistent quarters of basketball together," he said.
"It was another big focus for us and aside from a short period in the second quarter, we were able to put it all together and get a good result."
Ireland was full of praise for all of his players, in particular McMahon, who impressed the coach with his strong shooting.
"In my opinion that was Brock's best game in Thunderbolt's colours," he said.
"His shooting was unreal, I think he shot something like eight three-pointers on the night. He was massive for us and hopefully he will continue to grow and develop as the season progresses."
The Thunderbolts will now turn their attention to an away trip against the Hills Hornets on Saturday.
"In terms of game plan, we wont change terribly much going into the match against the Hornets," Ireland said.
"We will again focus on a complete team performance across four quarters of basketball. Hills Hornets are a very well-rounded team but I think if we can stick to that game plan we should go well."