Basketball
8 October, 2024
Lovel back at Hornets after long hiatus
Jonathan Lovel has returned to play for the Horsham Hornets in the 2024 Country Basketball League for three reasons: to help the young kids out, play with his brother Matt to reach 200 games, and to beat Mt Gambier.
Lovel last played in the 2014 grand final loss to Mt Gambier, and he has a lot of fire in his belly to help the Hornets go one better this season and win the championship.
"My role this season is to come on and off the bench and to help out the big men if we are missing out on height and need more angriness, and to also help the kids develop," Lovel said.
"It will take the kids time to come through, so to help them out with my experience will be beneficial for them and the more games they play, the better they get.
"Eventually, they will be the older heads in the team and will be helping other younger players come through."
Lovel said that whilst his body may ache, he will enjoy what the season brings.
"With any sport you play as a young kid, it's just like riding a bike as you will always have the skills in hand, but it can take some time to get back into it," Lovel said.
"I'll get there, and I am just looking forward to helping the kids. Hopefully, I can play in that milestone game with my brother, Matt, should he get to 200 games this season."
Already on the weekend, Lovel's experience proved vital in the last quarter against Ararat. The Hornets needed the height and his experience, and it paid dividends, helping them to that five-point win.