At the conclusion of the 2015 season, we look back on how the teams from Hobart fared.
HOBART LADY CHARGERS
Wins – 15
Losses – 7
Standing – 3rd South Conference
Post-Season Results – lost to Launceston (SF)
2013 result – 16 wins 8 losses, 3rd South Conference
THE GOOD
One of the strongest front courts in the league, Kathleen Scheer, Amy Kame, Klara Wischer and Izzy Chilcott all averaged over 15 points while adding a combined 29 rebounds per game. Defensively, Wischer led the league in steals and Scheer recorded 22 more blocks than any other player. They were the only away team to defeat Dandenong and finished with an 8-4 road record.
THE BAD
A three-game losing streak to end the regular season saw the Lady Chargers surrender a top two finish in the South Conference before they fell to Launceston in the Semi-Final. Their 4-8 record against conference rivals was compounded by a 0-8 record against East Conference finalists.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Although she has starred in all three of her SEABL seasons, Scheer arguably had her best year with 18.8 points and 8.7 boards a game. A 25-point, 20-rebound effort against Canberra in Round 6 was a highlight while she fell just short of a triple-double against Sandringham in Round 16 with 18 points, nine rebounds and ten assists. Playing an incredible 38 minutes per game, the forward maintained a high-level of play for the entire season, even when Hobart fell away late.
Next Year
TEAM NEEDS
It seems unlikely that the Lady Chargers would defer from loading up their front court as it has been the plan for the past couple of seasons but a stronger back court is still required to balance the side. Their biggest obstacle may come off the court though as they look to secure the financial backing to compete next season.
LIKELY IMPROVEMENT
Although a point guard may still be required, shooting guard Gabby Mann showed she can keep the scoreboard ticking over in the Hobart back-court this year in limited opportunities. She scored in all but one game when she played 10+ minutes and had a season-high 12 against Nunawading on 6-9 shooting.
GRADE – 6.5/10
HOBART CHARGERS
Wins – 10
Losses – 14
Standing – 5th South Conference
2013 result – 9 wins 17 losses, 8th South Conference
THE GOOD
A run of six victories from eight games across Rounds 8-13 was the highlight of the year for Hobart who did finish the season with one more victory than 2014. Kevin White was a solid late addition while their team defence allowed the fourth lowest field goal percentage (39%).
THE BAD
Losing both off-season imports in Cam Bennerman and Kyle Hunt before the mid-season break was the latest in a disastrous string of acquisitions for the Chargers which has seen them lose four restricted players in the past two seasons. They went on to miss the playoffs on head-to-head results, thanks to two losses to Kilsyth but it was symptomatic of their overall record against the South Conference (4-9).
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Tom Wright maintained his 15 point career average to lead the club while improving his three-point percentage to 35% on 103 attempts. When the shooting guard exceeded his season average, Hobart were 6-4 while they managed just four wins for the rest of the year.
Next Year
TEAM NEEDS
That poor history of imports is the first port of call for Hobart and will be a tricky situation for a new coach to enter into. This year’s current side struck a fine balance between the front and back court late in the season with five players averaging double-figures and if they can extend that to a full season, a return to the playoffs will not be far off.
LIKELY IMPROVEMENT
If Kevin White returns to the side, this year’s experience and a proper off-season will serve him well. Any team would benefit from his hard-nosed defensive style of play but he was effective at the other end of the floor this year as well, averaging 14 points with four 20+ point games.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.