THE Pioneers women face a big test tomorrow night in round 12 of the Basketball SA Premier League season.
The side hosts the West Adelaide Bearcats at the Icehouse, who sit one position above them on the ladder in fifth spot.
That is the last spot available for a playoff position at the end of the minor rounds, but there is still plenty of time left for the Pioneers to make their mark.
For rookie coach Matt Sutton it is an important game, but not one he believes is a must-win.
“The result will not make or break our season, but each game is important to us going forward,” he said.
“We are taking it one step at a time and do not want to look too far ahead at the moment as to what the ramifications are with a win or loss.
“We just want to focus on the game.”
The Pioneers will have to work hard to claim the win, as the Bearcats boast players such as Jasmin Fejo, who averages 19.44 points per game.
But Sutton believes their game is also built on pace around the court, which his young side will need to combat.
“They are pretty fortunate they have good depth,” he said.
“They rotate a lot, pressure and push the basketball.
“A lot of their opportunities come through ball movement and playing with speed.
“As a group we need to get back in numbers, slow them down and make them play in the half court.
“They are one of the deeper and more talented teams going around so it will be a really good test for us.”
With that in mind the Pioneers are also graced with players able to find the basket on a regular basis.
American import player and captain Amanda Frost is second in the league in points averages, with 23.27 per game, fellow American Pachis Roberts averages 18.25 and young star Emily Winter contributes 12.09.
“We will do our best to get everyone open and involved,” Sutton said.
“Then it will be up to everyone to use their skills confidently to execute.”
That confidence has continued to rise this season as the girls have chalked up wins – now with six victories from 11 games – while many of the younger players have just returned from the Under 18
SA state titles, which Sutton said was an important part of their development.
“That was huge for the girls,” he said.
“As a young person you do not always get the regular opportunities to get on the court.
“You train a lot so for them to play against kids their own age running our structures was a really good learning curve and development opportunity.”
That development continues, but as it sits now Sutton is pleased with his side’s position in the competition.
“I think they are a group that really cares about each other and their basketball,” he said.
“The trainings are really good and competitive.
“I think the early success in the season has given them a lot of belief and confidence they belong and can match up with anyone.
“Tomorrow night we will do our best and hopefully get over the line.”
The game tips off at 6.30pm.
