THE Mount Gambier Pioneers women are about to make history, with the side set to face West Adelaide Bearcats in the Basketball SA Premier League elimination final tonight.
It is the first time the Pioneers have competed in the Premier League competition and the first time the club has fielded a women’s side for many years.
But it will be no easy game, despite the home-court advantage at the Icehouse.
Quite simply, win and the side will progress to the next round, but lose and it is curtains for what has been an impressive season.
The Pioneers have defeated the Bearcats twice in the minor rounds, but not by a large margin.
In round 12 they were victorious by eight points at the Icehouse, then in round 16 they were able to sneak home with a three-point win up in Adelaide.
Coach Matt Sutton said there was plenty of excitement around the group at the moment, but also a real focus on the job at hand.
“The girls are excited for the opportunity, but they do not want it to just be this,” he said.
“They want to keep going.”
Sutton said he expected a tough challenge from the Bearcats, considering they are yet to beat the Pioneers.
“They will come in with a chip on their shoulder, like we would,” he said.
“If you lose to a team twice during the season and you get the opportunity to play them again, you would be thanking your lucky stars.
“They will be up for the game and will be well prepared, so we will have to be at our best.”
That best will be at both ends of the floor, with the Bearcats boasting several players who average over 10 points per game, along with Jasmin Fejo, who was named in the All Star 5 at the league awards on Sunday.
“Jasmin Fejo is an amazing young talent with good pace in transition,” Sutton said.
“We will have to slow her down.
“Overall we will just do our best to play good team defence and take away their strengths.”
Sutton believes team defence is his side’s strong point.
Throughout the season the group has been able to limit opposition scorers and put points on the board as well.
He said that comes down to a cohesive group of girls who are committed to team play.
“I made it clear from the start we do not have time to put in too many tricks, we have to rely on hard work and just knuckle down and attend to each player,” he said.
“The team is really open to doing that and support each other really well.
“We will not look to anyone in particular, but to everyone.
“I think they really enjoy each other’s company and respect each other, which makes them want to go the extra mile for each other on the court.
“The team play will be huge for us and they are very willing to do that.”
While the team aspect is a big part of the success this season, there is a reliance on American imports Amanda Frost and Pachiyaanna Roberts.
Frost has led the side well this season, while Roberts came in later as has had a huge impact on the Pioneers’ fortunes.
“We have high expectations of them – that is is just the way it is,” Sutton said.
“But you would assume everyone will be scouting strongly on them and will try to take them out of the game, so we will need to rely on everyone making a contribution.”
There is no shortage of young talent in the roster, which has helped the Pioneers continue to perform at a high level.
One such player is Keryl Ousey, who has had an interrupted year for various reasons.
However, she has begun to have an impact as the season has wound down and will be expected to stand tall tonight night.
“She has just started to get some extra time on the floor,” Sutton said.
“She had State basketball early and has been crook, but has now had a really consistent period where she has been training and getting out there.
“It is just starting to happen for her.”
One other big interest in the contest will be the Wormald girls.
Maddy and Olivia have both had a big impact this season, but it is about more than just the game.
Both formerly played for the Bearcats and will be keen to claim the win.
“For them it is a more special game against their former club,” Sutton said.
“I am sure they will feel there is a bit more riding on the game.
“I am excited for them to have the opportunity and will ask a lot of them.”
Another big performer has been Melissa Russell.
Her experience and cool head saw the Pioneers sneak home with a two-point victory last round against Forestville Eagles to secure a playoff position.
A timely drive through traffic to the hoop saw a late layup which ultimately secured the victory.
“Mel just gives you a lot of confidence when she is on the court, whether it is an offensive role we need or a defensive job,” Sutton said.
“You know she is going to do it to the best of her ability and you will not have to ask her to try harder or be more intense.
“She is just going to do whatever she can for the team as hard as she can.”
The list goes on, which includes talented Penola youngster Emily Winter who has had a major impact on the results.
While the Bearcats boast an All Star 5 player, the Pioneers have two – Frost and Roberts.
Along with that is the coach of the year for the rookie Sutton.
He was reluctant to speak too much about those awards and how they may affect this game.
He said he was pleased for the girls to be rewarded for their efforts, but the team had put all that behind them and were focused on the contest tonight night.
But one thing which cannot be denied is the performance of the side in its inaugural year.
That certainly has not been lost on the rookie coach.
“I had a few moments after the Forestville game,” he said.
“I felt a bit overwhelmed about what the girls have been able to achieve.
“But by mid-season we were aware the group we had was going to be something more special than we could have hoped for.
“We have adjusted to that and rearranged our goals.
“One of those goals is to perform well this week.”
A big crowd is expected to pour into the Icehouse tonight night, with the game to tip off at 6.30pm.
There will be no game following the women after the men finished top of the ladder and have the week off.
