Warrnambool Seahawks' Xavier Johnson-Blount named Big V player of the month

The Warrnambool Seahawks import is averaging 32 points a game including four 40-plus point performances in his past six appearances.

Johnson-Blount is shouldering a heavy workload for the Tim Gainey-coached side as it battles injuries to three of its starting five.

He has played a full 40 minutes in the Seahawks' past five games.

But the American believes a training program at Warrnambool 24/7 Gym is allowing him to have an impact.

"I can't stress enough, fitness is super important especially if you're playing 40 minutes a game," Johnson-Blount said.

"The high altitude room is legit life-changing. It changes fitness, it is a different type of training and it separates you on court."

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Johnson-Blount, who is in his fourth Australia season, said he had a sense of responsibility in his role as Seahawks' import to perform at a high level each game.

"I am out there to compete and to do whatever I can to try and win some games," he said.

"I've been lucky enough to put up big numbers in the past few weeks and I need to keep working.

"I am a leader and the import of the team, so they look for me to put up numbers and to try and lead the squad to the championship."

Warrnambool sits three games outside the top six after a spate of close losses with an undermanned roster.

But Johnson-Blount, who was part of the Seahawks' 2016 championship, remains bullish about their chances.

He hopes starters Josh Dean, Ollie Bidmade and Alex Gynes will suit up in the run home and provide on-court support.

"The games we've lost we easily could've won," Johnson-Blount said.

"Josh and Ollie (who have missed a chunk of games) make a tremendous different to our line-up and we're still going good without them.

"We need to grind it out. I still believe we can be in the playoffs.

"Basketball is about competing and being competitive and that's what makes it fun."

Johnson-Blount is undergoing his Australian naturalisation process and is enjoying his time in the south-west, describing it as "coming back to my second home".

He is conducting clinics and coaching and will look for full-time work when the Big V season finishes in September.

"I want to give 100 per cent attentiveness to the season right now," Johnson-Blount said.

He rated Saturday's home against Whittlesea Pacers, who languish in 12^th on a 13-team ladder, a "must win".

Tip off is 7pm.

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