Canberra Capitals coach Carrie Graf says her team can't afford to be ''solo Tolo'' any more if it wants to win back-to-back WNBL championships.
And despite being the smallest player on the court, Nat Hurst has vowed to help a rampaging Marianna Tolo terrorise the Logan Thunder on Friday night.
Tolo has been the Capitals' best in the opening eight games of the season while her teammates have struggled to find their rhythm.
The 20-year-old forward has already won two player of the week awards and leads the league in field-goal percentage and blocked shots.
Point-guard Hurst is the first to admit she has been quiet so far this season.
But she promised to break the shackles this week and return to her dynamic best against the Thunder at Southern Cross Stadium even if that means helping Tolo grab rebounds and not score points.
''With Abby [Bishop] out we all need to focus on blocking out,'' Hurst said. ''If the other four girls get it done and my player gets the ball then that's on me.
''Blocking out and getting the boards has been a focus for the whole team and even us little ones need to make sure we're blocking out.''
Canberra's clash with Logan begins a crucial four-game stretch for the defending champion.
The Capitals will play the Thunder, Townsville, the Australian Institute of Sport and Sydney in a 10-day period.
Tolo lifted the Capitals to victory over Townsville two weeks ago with 21 points, 13 blocks and 10 rebounds.
Canberra had a bye last weekend and the coach said it was time for the entire team to up its intensity and take the pressure off Tolo.
''Our rebounding and blocking out hasn't been up to scratch and it has been solo Tolo in a lot of ways,'' Graf said.
''She's done a hell of a job blocking the ball but her rebounding hasn't quite been up to it yet.
''Our defensive talk, rotation and rebounding play was the focus at training for us.
''We just have to get better at it, there's no dancing around it we've been doing drills that under-12 kids do to get back to basic techniques.
''We have to get our arse on their legs and not let them get to the glass and if you can't do that you can't win games, that's the bottom line.''
The Capitals are fifth on the ladder with five wins from their eight games.
Hurst emerged as a star last season and was rewarded with selection in her first Australian Opals squad.
But teams are targeting the pint-sized 26-year-old and her scoring opportunities have been limited.
She still averages more than 13 points a game, but is determined to have a bigger impact in games.
''I had a chat to Graffy last week and I haven't been playing great, but I haven't been playing bad either,'' Hurst said. ''I just need different ways to counter the defence ... there comes a point where you need to show it on court.''
WNBL ROUND EIGHT
Friday: Canberra Capitals v Logan Thunder at Southern Cross Stadium, Tuggeranong, 8pm. Tickets available from Basketball ACT or at the door.
Sunday: Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at New Projects Australia Stadium, Townsville, 12pm.
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