Basketball
21 October, 2025
Lady Hornets push defending champs all the way
The Horsham Hornets women’s basketball team put up valiant efforts in round three of the Country Basketball League, narrowly losing to Mount Gambier and Portland.
The Hornets travelled to Mount Gambier for the Saturday night clash, where the home side got the better of the young Hornets side early, who trailed 19-4 early in the second quarter.
The Lakers led 34-22 at halftime before a 13-3 Hornets run, led by captain and point guard Georgia Hiscock, reduced the deficit to two midway through the third quarter.
A strong start by Mount Gambier in the fourth extended their lead to 50-40, before 11 straight points gave the Hornets their first lead of the game with just under six minutes to play.
The Lakers managed to regain the lead, but a Hiscock three-pointer with a minute remaining kept the Hornets within four points.
Mount Gambier eventually held on to win 63-57.
Coach Jordyn Burke commended Hiscock and Jorja Clode, who led the team with 16 and 14 points, respectively, while also praising the defensive effort of youngster Tayla Hudson.
“Georgia Hiscock, her first CBL game in a while, was great, and Jorda Clode played a really good game,” Burke said.
“The young girls, as well, being able to go on the road, is great exposure for them.
“I thought Tayla Hudson on defence, the unheralded stuff, she was fantastic at.”
On Sunday afternoon, the side backed up to play against reigning premiers Portland in front of a spirited home crowd, in what was the first home game of the season.
Jorja Clode scored the opening five points of the game, but the Coasters quickly responded, capitalising on the Hornets' turnovers to lead 23-12 at quarter time.
Portland extended the lead to 14 before some strong defensive pressure, as well as a flurry of baskets from Clode and Ilze Van Zyl, saw the Hornets make it a 34-27 game at halftime.
A 10-point run from Portland midway through the third quarter saw the visitors take a 16-point lead, but a strong finish to the quarter and start to the fourth quarter, including two Hannah Plazzer three-pointers, made it 54-46 with just under eight minutes to play.
Impressive offensive sequences from the Hornets reduced the deficit to four before both teams traded baskets to make it a 69-64 game with 90 seconds remaining.
Some late turnovers from the Hornets proved costly as Portland managed to hold on, defeating Horsham 72-64.
Clode led the Hornets with 24 points in the loss.
Asked about the key takeaways from the performance, Burke was encouraged, identifying the need for his side to improve their consistency throughout the game.
“Trying to put the four quarters together is the main thing,” Burke said.
“We’re having slower starts, but we’re starting to eliminate the sluggishness out of the gates more and more, which is good.
“It’s also about making sure the difference between our best and worst basketball is smaller; we've just got to close that gap.
“I thought we did pretty well for the most part, but couldn’t quite get there in the end.”
Burke also identified late-game execution as a learning lesson for the side.
“With our offence getting better looks later in the game, not rushing the last two and a half minutes is key, as that’s a lot of time in basketball.
“If you can get a defensive stop and keep hitting offensive shots, the pressure builds.
“So it’s about being smart in those moments, not rushing it and forcing it, but that comes with experience.
“Getting the team exposure in close games is going to benefit them later on.”
Burke praised the growing confidence of Plazzer, who scored 16 points, including three three-pointers.
“Hannah's just stepping up every game, it's been fantastic, and that’s why she’s starting,” Burke said.
“Giving her reps and continually watching her grow with confidence, I’ve been really happy with her development.”
Plazzer enjoyed the experience of her first home CBL game, feeling increasingly comfortable as the game progressed.
“Playing at our home stadium with the girls, it was a great experience,” Plazzer said.
“I just had to get into the game and adjust, and was able to play my normal game.”
The women’s team returns to action on November 1.
