THE Mount Gambier Pioneers will have their first hitout this weekend at the annual Four-Team Challenge at Millicent’s Peter Seebohm Stadium.
The tournament includes Adelaide teams the South Adelaide Panthers, the Woodville Warriors and the Southern Tigers, now part of the expanded NBL1 (Central) competition.
For Pioneers’ head coach Richard Hill it is a welcome opportunity to gain some valuable court time before the NBL1 South season tips off on April 18.
The Four-Team Challenge is steeped in history, which Hill said he looks forward to each year.
He said it was an important weekend for the Pioneers with the visiting Adelaide teams set to bring a lot to the floor.
“It has been good for us for a long time,” he said.
“It is usually our first starter and we normally do not have everyone here, which is the case again.
“That is probably a good thing because it gives everyone a chance to play.
“The guys are excited because no one has really played since August last year.”
Youngsters Lachlan and Mitch Hunter, plus Dellon Brown have all moved to Adelaide and will no longer line up.
Mony Makeur will return to the Pioneers after a stint of league football in Adelaide.
Hill said he could slot in to Lachlan Hunter’s position off the bench.
American import Quinton Chievous and Sydney King Jordan Hunter are not yet in town, but Hill said this was a good chance for supporters to see former Adelaide players Nikolas DeSantis and Tom Kubank in action.
“We will have the two new lads from Adelaide which is a good chance for them to run around with our group,” he said.
“They have moved to town now and have been to all four of our camps.”
The Pioneers will have three games over the weekend, then head to Portland on March 21 to play Geelong, a game against Ballarat the following weekend then the NBL1 pre-season tournament.
“We have about six weeks before Bendigo comes into town to start the season,” Hill said.
“We have to get a lot done in a short time.”
Overall the weekend is the first chance for supporters to see the new-look side before the season tips off.
“Through the period where we were pretty successful it was basically the same guys playing.” Hill said.
“This is almost a brand new group.
“There are only two guys left from the 2017 championship team, so it has been a quick turnaround.
“It is exciting.”
The Pioneers will face the Tigers tonight at 8.20pm, the Panthers tomorrow at the same time and will kick off proceedings on Sunday against the Warriors at 10am.
