They may be flying high, but the City Rockets are under no illusion that they have a target on their backs in the 2021 Launceston Basketball Association's senior competition.
With nine wins and two losses, the Rockets sit atop the ladder.
"We've had a good start to the season, we're happy with where we are at the moment," coach Brett Smith said.
"But we've got to get our full group together and healthy and work harder to improve."
While the team sports the talents of Launceston big-guns including Lachie Brewer, Harry Flint and JackJumpers signee Sejr Deans, Smith said it was the younger players who formed a consistent back-bone for the team.
The state-calibre coach said in the side's round 11 win over the Southside Rebels, the team started eight players, only one of which was over 18 years old.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT:
While the competition only consists of four teams, Smith said the overall talent meant the 2020 champion Rockets were kept on their toes.
"You can never underestimate teams, because they're going to fluctuate as the season goes by," he said.
"With form fluctuating due to injuries, sickness and the likes teams can improve very quickly. That's why we've got to keep improving as a group, so when we get to finals, we'll be at our peak."
National selections
Brewer was also selected to be part of Basketball Australia's National Performance Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in September.
He, and Launceston Tornadoes player Taya Webb, will take part in court scrimmages and education sessions to prepare them for their future basketball endeavours in Australia and beyond.
Having coached Brewer for both the state and locally, Smith said he was proud of the strides he continued to make.
"It's going to lead to bigger things for Lachie in the future," he said.
"He works really hard on his basketball and to improve his game and you wouldn't meet a nicer young man."
Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?
The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.
Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.
Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.
Harry Murtough
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
