THE newly appointed coach of the Mount Gambier Pioneers Basketball Club women’s program says the fledgling team is performing well.
“‘The women’s team is going along really well and import Amanda Frost has been a real shining light for her willingness to be involved in the community,” coach Matt Sutton said.
“On the weekend, the girls were more than competitive which gives us hope we belong here.”
He said the players had been “working hard” to prepare for the season.
Mr Sutton said the team – made up of a strong local contingent – were young but committed to the process.
“I am really excited about how they are going – there a good signs so far.”
Meanwhile, Richard Hill – who is the coach of the men’s team – conceded while the past seven months had been “hurtful”, the club now had to move forward.
“We are trying to move on from opening old wounds … we have been done horribly wrong,” Mr Hill said.
“We were booted out of a competition when we have been the most successful team in the competition.
“Our greatest issue is that nobody outside of Mount Gambier understands the Pioneers – they are a very, very important part of the local community.”
But he said the “silver lining” was there was now “a lot more local content” in the teams.
“I believe the club’s sustainability is just so important to the community and the young kids growing up.”
He said the Pioneers players had been role models for young kids.
“You do not hear of the Pioneers players getting into trouble or doing the wrong thing.
We have been able to bring quality people into the town.”
While the club had been criticised for not fielding a women’s for many years, he said the time had not been ideal until now.
“We did have a women’s team a number of years ago, but that was nearly to the destruction of the club – we could not support it financially.”
But he said the club was now in “great” financial position to launch a women’s team.
“Financially, the club has never been in a better financial position,” Mr Hill said.
“The women’s team is absolutely exciting for the Mount Gambier Pioneers. I think the Icehouse on a Saturday night is going to be a great place to be.”
