Mandurah Magic women focus on team bonding at pre-season camp

Coming off their second straight State Basketball League grand final appearance the squad is desperate to go one further and claim that elusive premiership this coming season, with the two-day camp aimed at helping drive the bond between the club’s young and experienced players.

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The team hit the water for a stand-up paddle board session with Star Surf and Mandurah Surf Lessons as part of the camp, while also dashing around Mandurah for their own ‘amazing race’ before hitting the court for a scratch match against the South West Slammers to end the weekend.

Coach Craig Watts said the experience was important ahead of what looms as a big season for the Magic women.

“It’s really crucial for us to make sure everyone is on the same page and that chemistry is there,” he said.

“It’s a huge factor in basketball – if people are good friends and spend time together off the court they’re more likely to play well together, and that’s important for us.”

The Magic’s young guns were given a chance to shine in the Slammers scrimmage, leaving the coach impressed with their decision making.

“We got to see a lot of our younger guys in action in the scratch match and they showed us some really encouraging signs,” Watts said.

“It gave us a chance to gauge how they read the game and they probably showed more than we expected, so we’re really excited.”

The Magic head into the season carrying high expectations after making back-to-back grand finals.

Their roster looks set to be bolstered with impactful import Regina Palusna set for another season with the side, while star centre Carly Boag is eyeing a mid-season return as she continues to recover from a leg injury sustained last year.

High quality youngster Kasey Miegel will make her return to Mandurah’s line-up following a year off, while the team’s senior core of Emma Klasztorny, Casey Mihovilovich, Bree Klasztorny, Rachel Halleen and Kelly Bailey remains in tact.

“We’ve got a strong mix of youth and experienced players heading into the year which gives us a lot of confidence,” Watts said.

“Over the coming weeks we’ll step up the training on the defensive end and hopefully that puts us in good stead for what could be a pretty big 2019 for our side.”

The Magic will hit the courts for the SBL’s pre-season blitz tournament on Saturday, March 2, before officially opening their regular season two weeks later.