THE Mount Gambier Pioneers have just announced the latest signing to join the women’s program for the 2019 Basketball SA Premier League season.
American Pachis Roberts is expected to joint the team this weekend, which will add to the depth of the young squad in their inaugural year in the competition.
“Bringing Pachis into the group will give us more flexibility in our rotations and a player that can defend and play nearly every position on the court,” coach Matt Sutton said.
Roberts attended the University of Georgia, where she averaged 14.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and three assists per game in the 2016-17 season.
Her game has been on an upwards trajectory in recent seasons.
Against Western Carolina in 2016-17 she managed a season-high score of 29 points, from 12 successful field goals.
Her previous high score was 25 points.
Against Florida she managed an impressive 15 successful free throws from 16 attempts, to show her ability at the charity stripe.
Earlier that season against Kennesaw State she pulled down 14 rebounds and dished off six assists.
Roberts achieved her first double-double in the 2016-17 opening game, with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
It all adds up to a versatile tall – at 180cm – who will be handy at both ends of the floor.
The Pioneers women have now played three games, falling short to North Adelaide and Sturt in round one, but in front of a capacity home crowd Saturday night at the Icehouse chalked up their first win in a tough game against the Southern Tigers 69-62.
While the young members of the squad have performed well, Roberts is sure to complement the team as she joins compatriot and captain Amanda Frost.
Sutton said he was pleased with that particular result and how the season has come together.
“I’m really happy with how the girls have been developing and working so hard for each other,” he said.
“Winning their first game as a group was a great reward for their early efforts.”
The Pioneers are hopeful to have Roberts in uniform when they face the Norwood Flames at the Icehouse on Saturday, March 30.
