Basketball: Ferns coach optimistic

Tall Ferns coach Mike McHugh remains upbeat about the team's future chances despite just one win from five in the Australian WNBL pre-season tournament.

The Ferns were without best shooter Donna Loffhagen, point guard Angela Marino and regular Julie Ofsoski, who all had club commitments.

Up-and-coming Jessica McCormack rolled her ankle and missed games.

North Harbour players Noni Wharemate, with a team-leading average of 9.8 points, and Charmain Purcell, 9 points and 8 rebounds, stood out.

The Ferns lost to Bulleen 65-41, to Adelaide 64-39, to Perth 54-53, to the AIS 68-65 and to Canberra 46-42, before beating Perth 69-54.