IT is hard to compare the first outing for the Mount Gambier Pioneers women against Sturt Sabres to what will unfold tomorrow night at the Icehouse.
The Pioneers went down to the Sabres back in round one of the Basketball SA Premier League season, but a lot has changed since then.
In that opening-round game – the second of a double-header road trip – Mount Gambier was without American import Pachis Roberts, who has provided a real boost to the young side.
Amanda Frost was there and provided a glimpse into what has become an impressive season.
She arrived from the USA early and spent plenty of time with the young side, which had been thrown together at the last minute from nothing.
In that game she contributed 16 points and led the team by example.
The Sabres come off a close loss to the sixth-placed Southern Tigers last round, going down by two points in a tense final term.
In contrast the Pioneers dug deep late in their game against Woodville Warriors to run out 10-point winners.
The Pioneers and Sturt sit in equal second on the ladder, which which sets up an entertaining contest.
The Pioneers are certainly on a high at the moment, in the box seat to contest the playoffs in their first season in the competition.
Since the opening-round clash with the Sabres the young Pioneers have gelled well and become one of the success stories of the league.
Whether they can convert that to another victory tomorrow night against a tough Sabres roster remains to be seen, but there is certainly every possibility that will happen.
The Pioneers club created the side to allow them to compete in the state league, but few would have expected the results which have come.
That puts them right in the hunt for a playoff position, something that would not have been expected when the season opened.
While the two American players have been instrumental in that success, much of it must go to the young Limestone Coast contingent who have stood up week in, week out.
Youngsters such as Mikaela Horrigan, Emily Dawe, Keryl Ousey, Sarah Nulty and Claire Hunter have put their hands up when required and gained valuable experience along the way.
In particular Dawe’s tenacity has been entertaining and full of energy, while Ousey and Nulty provide plenty of height under the hoop.
Maddy and Olivia Wormald have provided spark, with the former a tough offensive player, while the latter is equally as tough at the defensive end of the floor.
The experience of Melissa Russell can never be discounted, while Emily Winter has been another of the young Limestone Coast players to impress, with solid contributions along the way.
Rookie coach Matt Sutton also deserves a mention for the work he has done to bring the side together and create so much success in the opening season.
He came with plenty of experience as a player, but this was his first coaching role at such a high level.
When the dust settles on the season it will certainly be one to remember, but with the momentum the women are carrying, their year could continue for some time yet.
The game tips off at 6.30pm.
