Thunderbolts coach John Ireland has praised the maturing play of point guard Riley Murphy, after the youngster scored 15 points in Tamworth's 85-44 defeat of Port Macquarie at the Dome.
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Ireland also laballed the second-placed Bolts culture - their "mateship" - the best he had seen.
Striving to win their first-ever championship, Tamworth now have seven wins from eight games.
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They made light work of the eighth-placed Dolphins on Saturday night, after the visitors were competitive in the match's early stages.
Commenting on Murphy, a former Thunderbolts junior, Ireland said: "He's adjusted with his physicality.
"He's becoming physically stronger. But he also passes the ball exceptionally well and he's defending well.
"He's just been a bit more aggressive, and he's taken his game to that next step."
Ireland said Tamworth had a strong foundation from which to launch their finals charge. They play last-placed Springwood at home on Saturday.
