THE new-look Mount Gambier Pioneers lineup makes its first official appearance today, as it contests the annual Millicent 4 Team Challenge at Peter Seebohm Stadium.
The Pioneers step onto the court against the Woodville Warriors, South Adelaide Panthers and Werribee Devils over three days of competition, played from today until Sunday.
For Pioneers coach Richard Hill, the tournament is the perfect opportunity to provide valuable court time to the fresh-faced team.
“It is always a very good tournament,” he said.
“Historically the Pioneers have been doing it for a long time before I was here.
“I think it has been something like 15 years this tournament has been running.
“Peter Seebohm does a great job at running it every year and it gives us an opportunity to play.
“With the team being still new, the more games we can play together the better.”
The Pioneers will head to Adelaide next week for another two pre-season games, but Hill said without the 4 Team Challenge the side would be under-prepared.
After the drama the team has faced over the past months, he is eager to get the Pioneers back on court.
“It is going to be nice to get back out on the court, even though it has all been a bit rushed,” he said.
“We are a little bit underdone and could certainly use a bit more time, but getting back on the court will be good fun.”
The Pioneers are still waiting on two starting-five players, with American import Kentrell Barkley yet to make his way into the country, while Sam Daly remains tied up with the Sydney Kings in the NBL.
Daly will not be available for some time, while Hill is doubtful Barkley will play this weekend, with hopes he will join the team next week.
That will provide an opportunity for the rookies in the lineup to get some court time under their belts.
“Our group is a working progress, with two key guys not here yet,” he said.
“Then we have a lot of younger rookies learning the ropes.
“It is an interesting period of time for us.”
These rookies have plenty of learning to do in a short period of time, so every minute they can spend on the court is valuable.
They will join Pioneer regulars Tom Daly and Erik Burdon, along with import DayJar Dickson, while Hill is hopeful to make use of a couple of former Pioneers while they are still in the area.
“Lachie Hunter will probably play for us, I hope,” Hill said.
“He is going to be playing in Adelaide, but he has not moved there yet so he will give us another number.
“We may even play Kyle Tipene, just to limit the minutes that Tom and Erik have to play.
“We want to give the young guys an opportunity, but we might use those guys as well, which will be a bit of a help.
“We are allowed to do that under the rules, as they are only practice matches.”
In terms of competitiveness this weekend, Hill is optimistic, but said it may depend on what the other clubs bring to the table.
“I’m figuring we will be competitive, depending on how good the opposition are,” he said.
“You never know what they will bring along, whether they bring their best units, or have some guys missing as well.”
In total, six games will be played, with two on each day of the tournament.
There will be counter meals on Saturday night and bookings for six people will award a complementary bottle of wine.
FIXTURE
Today, February 15 – Game 1, 6.30pm: Mount Gambier Pioneers v Woodville Warriors; Game 2, 8.15pm: Werribee Devils v South Adelaide Panthers.
Tomorrow, February 16 – Game 3, 6.30pm: South Adelaide Panthers v Woodville Warriors; Game 4, 8.15pm: Werribee Devils v Mount Gambier Pioneers.
Sunday, February 17 – Game 5, 10.30am: Woodville Warriors v Werribee Devils; Game 6, 12.15pm: South Adelaide Panthers v Mount Gambier Pioneers.
