Basketball
4 October, 2025
Lady Hornets ready to buzz
Horsham Hornets’ women’s side will open their Country Basketball League season against Warrnambool on Sunday.
The first-round clash presents as a much-anticipated return for the women’s team after they did not field a CBL side in the 2024 season.
Jordyn Burke has taken the reins as head coach, and along with assistant Tim Webb will lead a youthful side that also includes a number of former Hornets, including Georgia Hiscock, Jess Cannane and Shannon Cross.
Burke says he has been impressed by the leadership of multiple players, with the team voting in Hiscock and Cross as captain and vice-captain, respectively.
“Georgia Hiscock will be our captain and Shannon will be our vice-captain, and they were voted in by the players, which is really exciting and a great honour for them,” Burke said.
“Jorda Clode, who is obviously a fantastic netballer and has played a little bit of basketball, she's also been really impressive with her encouragement and genuine leadership.”
Burke said he was happy with how the team had progressed in preseason, particularly with the winter sports season just finishing.
“With other sport finishing up it takes a little bit of time to adjust so we're doing it on the fly a little bit,” Burke said.
“But the mix of the team is a really good one and I've been really surprised and really encouraged with how well they're gelling, not only from a basketball point of view but they're enjoying each other's company too.”
Asked about the expectations for the season, Burke says developing the program while remaining competitive are the primary focuses.
“You'd love to get to that .500 mark, where you win five, lose five, but also, expectation-wise, we're not putting too much on it,” Burke said.
“It's about making sure that we get the program up, healthy and encouraging, and making sure that we have the breeding ground.
“So, essentially, up and going and competitive in games is our main aim.”
Along with the game at Warrnambool on Sunday, the team’s opening four games will be away from home – something Burke says will be a good test for the side.
“We've got a few road games early so that's going to put us under the pump, but I think that will hold us in good stead too,” Burke said.
“You get the acid put on you earlier and I really enjoy that part of it too. “
“Warrnambool this weekend, they'll probably play a similar game style to us, high intensity, and they’ve got a great program so we're going to have to be on our game.”
Horsham Hornets' women’s 2025 CBL squad comprises Jorja Clode, Jessica Cannane, Georgie Carberry, Shannon Cross, Jedda Heard, Georgia Hiscock and Jemma Thomas.
Phoebe Downer, Lucy Holland, Tayla Hudson, Hannah Plazzer and Indy Webb are development players for the 2025 season.