IT will be an historic occasion for the Mount Gambier Pioneers this weekend when the women’s team takes to the floor for the first time in many years.
The side was hastily thrown together to compete in the 2019 Basketball SA Premier League season, starting from scratch.
Former Pioneers men’s captain and long-term player Matt Sutton was given the nod as head coach and from there a team was pulled together.
American import player Amanda Frost joined the group as captain and many players from around the Limestone Coast now form the team.
Players such as Melissa Russell, Emily Winter, Maddy Wormald, Emily Dawe, Keryl Ousey and Claire Hunter, along with other young stars have been given the chance to prove their ability in a tough basketball environment.
The women face their first real test tomorrow night against the North Adelaide Rockets, then back up against the Sturt Sabres on Sunday, in what will be a real test for the squad.
For Sutton it is the culmination of creating a team with no core group to call upon, then a short pre-season, with plenty of excitement around the group as the season approaches.
“It is really exciting now it is coming together and we have had a few practice games, just seeing how it is all shaping up, how the girls are working together and how quickly they are forming a really strong bond on the court,” he said.
“It has been hard, but it is only a challenge and we like to work out how to overcome challenges.
“So far we are doing it and the group has shown a lot of resilience.”
Sutton said he was pleased with the younger members of the team stepping up in what is expected to be a tough competition.
“I am really happy with some of them stepping up to the challenge,” he said.
“At the end of the day it is basketball and they all enjoy it.
“Even though it has been a short time to prepare, we have done a lot of training and preparation.
“They are all excited and seem to be bonding really well.”
In the history of the Pioneers club, there have been few opportunities for women to compete.
While Sutton said that point was not lost on the basketball community, he felt the side was more focused on the job at hand.
“I think it has been so quick, the girls have not had time to sit down and take a deep breath, which we will at some point,” he said.
“The group is so young I do not think they are all that aware of the magnitude of what they are doing and achieving.”
The task is something Sutton also has to face as head coach, but it is not something he is concerned about.
“I do not really feel any outside pressure,” he said.
“I have good support within the club.
“The only pressure is I just want to give all the girls the best opportunity to develop and enjoy basketball.
“I guess the pressure is there that I want them to be happy on court and perform at their best.”
At this early stage Sutton said he was enjoying his new role, which is something he did not expect to take on so soon after retiring from his playing commitments with the Pioneers.
The women are expected to face two tough matches this weekend, which will complement the men’s games perfectly.
The first hit out takes place tomorrow night at 6.30pm against the Rockets, with Sunday’s game against the Sabres to tip off at 1.30pm.
