SATURDAY night basketball at the Icehouse was kicked off by the women on the weekend, when the Mount Gambier Pioneers claimed a 27-point victory over the visiting Central Districts Lions in round 15 of the Basketball SA Premier League competition.
Despite the eventual scoreline, it was not until the final term the hosts were really able to break free, with just 10 points the difference at half time.
That margin was narrowed to four points in the opening minutes of the third term, before Pioneers captain and American import Amanda Frost made a two-point layup to break the Lions’ streak.
From there Frost – with help from Emily Winter and fellow American Pachis Roberts – broke away and when Maddy Wormald converted two free throws with a minute to go, the Pioneers led by 15 points.
A Lions’ two-pointer saw that narrowed to 13 at the final change and the game remained up for grabs.
However, the home team found its stride in the fourth quarter and the power trio of Frost, Roberts and Winter helped the score to the final 84-57 point margin by the final buzzer.
The three were clear standouts under the hoop, as Frost top scored with 30 points, while also chipping in with seven rebounds and seven assists.
Roberts finished her night with 22 points, while Winter managed a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds – eight of which came from the offensive end, providing vital second chances for her team.
“Those three have been pretty consistent scorers for us all season,” coach Matt Sutton said.
“I was probably hoping for a more consistent output from them across the game, but they found their stride at the right time and we were able to break away at the end.”
That came as a welcome relief, as Sutton described the first three quarters as an “arm wrestle”.
“There were a few people we were having trouble breaking free from, but once the girls were able to free themselves up and create some space we were able to break away,” he said.
“That happened pretty late in the game.”
While it was the trio who performed at the offensive end of the court, Olivia Wormald played a strong defensive game with eight rebounds, as well as four assists.
“That is part of her role in the team, to do some of the stuff that doesn’t really get noticed as much,” Sutton said.
“She is not afraid to dive on a loose ball.”
Melissa Russell is another player who can fly under the radar at times and she chipped in with seven rebounds and five assists.
With a double-header on the road this weekend, Sutton said attention will now turn to preparation for round 16.
“We have a lot of work to do over the course of the week,” he said.
“Our whole focus will be on West Adelaide and then once the game is done there we will switch to South (Adelaide).
“West are in really good form, so it is going to be a big test on their home court.”
