Ruef warns the Seahawks must improve

Feature image via: P2DK Photography

Coming off a monstrous performance against Mackay, Mikaela Ruef says the North Gold Coast Seahawks can not be complacent despite their 8-1 record. 

Putting up a ridiculous 36 points, 26 rebounds and six assists against the Meteorettes on Friday night, the 2023 NBL1 North First Team member has continued her dominance into the new season. 

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Alongside co-star Miela Goodchild, the Seahawks are projected as title contenders – but the 2021 conference champion warned the team still has a long way to go in improving their execution. 

“Obviously I’m happy we won, we gave up 90 points, so I’m a little bit disappointed defensively. But other than that I think we had a really good offensive game,” she told Jon Guarna post-game. 

After allowing Mackay to come back after a 20-point lead at halftime, Ruef explained their team will need to improve their ability to secure dominant wins. 

“I think it’s just like to keep our foot on the pedal, it’s something we struggle with,” she said.

“We get up, and then we relax and we let teams back into it. And it happened again tonight. In order for us to go far and do well in this league, we need to be able to keep our foot on the pedal.” 

Ruef explained their schedule will only get tougher, with five of their remaining eight games against top eight sides. 

They’ll be taking on the eight-placed South West Metro Pirates this weekend, in a rematch from Round 6 where the Seahawks only got past by eight points. 

“We played them last week, they had one of their girls out (import Taya Hanson), and I think she’ll be back next week. They were tough… So we are going to have to be ready to go and hopefully she’s back, it will be a good game.” 

Watch the game live on Saturday, streaming live from 5:30pm, AEST via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.