IT is more than just a game for the Mount Gambier Pioneers tomorrow night, when they host the Woodville Warriors at the Icehouse in round 17 of the Basketball SA Premier League season.
The night will raise awareness and funds for Lifeline, with both the men and women to don special strips for the occasion.
An auction of player uniforms will follow the men’s game to raise money towards the cause.
In addition to the formalities, the night promises a fine display of basketball, with the Warriors sure to put up a fight despite their lower ladder position.
The Pioneers carry red-hot form into the men’s clash, as they come off the back of eight consecutive wins.
However, coach Richard Hill expects his team to have a tough game on its hands.
“Woodville are probably one of the better teams who are not in playoffs,” he said.
“They had a pretty good game last week against Southern Tigers, who I think are one of the better top-four teams in the competition.”
The Warriors were within two points of the Tigers with a few minutes remaining in the match, before a lapse resulted in an eight-point defeat.
However, second-placed Forestville Eagles played the Tigers the following day for a narrow one-point victory, suggesting the Warriors could be every chance of an upset tomorrow.
Hill has an abundance of respect for his opponent and believes Woodville has a “bright future”, with some promising Australian talent in its ranks.
Despite a couple of niggling injuries, the Pioneers should be fit and ready for tomorrow’s game.
Last time the teams met, Mount Gambier claimed an 11-point win, with both Sam Daly and Erik Burdon sidelined through injury.
Both players carry form into the clash and Hill hopes to see it continue on the court tomorrow night.
Development players Matt Black and Malok Makoi are also available, after injury prevented them from last weekend’s double-header roadtrip to Adelaide.
American import DayJar Dickson struggled with his ankle last round, but looks good now according to Hill, with all signs pointing towards a full and in-form roster.
“We had a good session Tuesday night and a lot of individual work on Wednesday and they have all come through pretty good,” Hill said.
“Our prep should be good for this game.”
There is no shortage of depth in the team and you could draw a name from a hat and have a better idea of which player will step up every time the Pioneers hit the court.
There are no weak links in the roster and the last few rounds have seen at least six double-figure scorers each game.
However, there were a few names Hill mentioned, who he hoped to see maintain their consistent form.
“I hope Eze (Erik Burdon) continues to shoot the ball well – that makes a massive difference to our whole structure,” he said.
“Sam Daly had a really good weekend last week and he has started to find some really good form.
“And obviously Kentrell (Barkley), his performances have been outstanding and there is not any reason to think that will change.”
Captain Tom Daly, along with Brad Rathjen and Dickson can also be expected to put on a show.
Regardless of the result, the Pioneers are sure to put on a spectacle in front of their home crowd, while doing it all for a worthy cause.
“The Lifeline thing is important to us because it is something our major sponsor is very passionate about and has been for a number of years,” Hill said.
“I think it is a tremendous cause – it is one of those charities which sort of slips under the radar a little bit.
“The money is important, but it is more of an awareness thing for Lifeline and what it means.
“It is very important and it is a big night for us.”
The game tips off at 8.15pm following the women’s clash.
