THE Premier League season is fast approaching for the Mount Gambier Pioneers, with both the men’s and women’s teams busy preparing for the March 2 tip off.
Both sides have practice games this weekend, with the men heading up to Adelaide, while the women will host two games at the Icehouse.
The men face the Eastern Mavericks on tomorrow, then Norwood on Sunday, while the women host the Eastern Mavericks, with tomorrow and Sunday games set down.
After three games last weekend the work continues for the men, who still wait for the second American import Kentrell Barkley to arrive.
This weekend is the final chance for a real-time hit out before the season launch.
Men’s coach Richard Hill said he was pleased with the way the team has come together, despite some issues with player availability.
He said the players were somewhat weary after the weekend’s matches, but were all keen to head to Adelaide for another hit out.
“We are trying to put a lot into a short period of time,” he said.
“We got through the weekend pretty good and if we can do the same this weekend we will be in decent shape.”
Hill said the Mavericks were historically middle of the road, while Norwood would be more of a challenge.
“Norwood will be tough and I’m not sure what the Mavericks will have,” he said.
“They have an import coming this week.
“Sunday will be the last practice match before the season, so it will be pretty much a full dress rehearsal.”
The season tips off the following week, which all adds up to a busy period for the team.
The women will have their first hit out at the Icehouse tomororrow at 6.30pm.
The side will be somewhat diminished due to several players on state duties.
However, Sunday’s match – at 11.30am – will see much of the roster on court.
Women’s coach Matt Sutton said he was pleased with how the team was coming together, having to start from scratch with no core group to call upon.
“We are not fortunate to have a core – the men’s program has Tom (Daly) and Eze (Erik Burdon) coming back so there is a bit of preparation there,” he said.
“We are still trying to work out who works well together, what are our rotations, who will play and who is going to be in a development spot.
“Figuring those things out will be the best thing about the games this weekend.”
Sutton said the squad had been training hard, but this would be the first hit out against another team.
“I’m excited the girls get to hit the court,” he said.
“You do a lot of training and train to play games.
“We have had good numbers at training and have been training pretty hard, but this will be our first actual game.
“Everyone seems pretty excited.”
Sutton said the inclusion of American Amanda Frost had worked well so far.
He said she had warmed to the community and along with Maddy Wormald and Emily Winter provided plenty for the younger players to aspire to.
Sutton said there was a long, hard road ahead, but hoped the basketball community embraced the idea of a women’s team.
“We will set the example by working our butts off, but I hope people just embrace the opportunity for something new and exciting,” he said.
