By Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Pioneers men stormed to the top of the NBL1 South ladder after two victories on the road.
The Pioneers remain the only undefeated side in the competition, ahead of the Geelong Supercats, Frankston Blues and Nunawading Spectres.
Saturday saw a big 109-90 victory over the Ringwood hawks, set up with a scintillating first half.
The opening term produced a big 28-18 scoreline to set the scene and put the Hawks on notice.
But if that was not enough, the Pioneers then slammed on 34 points in the second stanza, while the Hawks managed just 22.
A more even second half followed, with Ringwood losing the third term by just three points, then won the final quarter by six.
However, it was too little, too late as the Pioneers raced away to a strong win.
Nick Marshall was again in the points, leading all-comers with 32 to his name, along with nine rebounds and four assists.
Michael Harris contributed 24, Tom Kubank and Kyle Tipene 16, while Jordan Rawls added 15.
Sunday was again the Marshall show, as the versatile guard banged on another 31 points in the Pioneers 96-88 win over Keilor Thunder.
This time the Pioneers were forced to play catchup, as the Thunder hit the court running with a 29-20 opening term.
Mount Gambier turned its fortunes around in the second quarter but still trailed by four at the long break.
From there the Pioneers took control, winning the third term 28-19, then the fourth 29-26.
Marshall’s efforts were complemented by Harris, who finished with 21 points, Rawls added 17 and Kubank 13.
“I couldn’t fault the boys on the weekend – they were exemplary,” coach Richard Hill said.
“The opposition was pretty solid, we were down on numbers and size and found a way to win.
“It was a very pleasing weekend.”
Hill said his side played “unbelievably well” against Ringwood in the first half.
Even after the main break when the Hawks found a bit of run, he said his side still played well.
“They won the second half because they are a pretty decent team,” Hill said.
“They just upped the anti and we didn’t play poorly but they won the second half.”
Hill said the first half saw his side shoot at an impressive clip, which set up the win, while the Hawks lifted in defence after the main break.
Marshall and Harris were again impressive, along with a list of others.
“Nick Marshall was outstanding and Michael Harris once again was very good,” Hill said.
“Those two have been beacons of light for us.
“Tom Kubank hasn’t played a bad game and is in great shape.
“He has worked hard and found a role which works within our group.”
The Keilor game was a different scenario, as the home side hit the floor running.
“Keilor came out red hot and were making everything,” Hill said.
“They were 13 up with about three minutes to go in the second quarter and our blokes could have easily let go of the rope.
“They had travelled a fair bit and played a lot of minutes the night before but they closed the second quarter out really well and went to half time only four down.”
Hill said he spoke to the players at half time and everyone felt the momentum had swung back to the Pioneers.
“Our style of play, we felt it would eventually overrun them,” Hill said.
“I think we got up to about 14 points up at one stage, so it was a really gutsy win on their home court.”
This week the Pioneers host the Geelong Supercats and Hill expects a tough contest.
“They are pretty good,” he said.
“They have two high-level imports and the rest of their group are guys who have played NBL.
“They will probably bring in Jack White who is a starter for Melbourne United and is touted as a future Australian captain.
“He is at another level athletically and it will be a massive challenge for our team.
“For our local fans to see him play will be pretty good.”
Friday’s game will follow the women’s clash and tip off at 8pm.
