By Lachlan Onions
THE Mount Gambier Pioneers women’s team will return to Wulanda for another home game on Friday night when they host the Kilsyth Cobras.
The Pioneers have been in scintillating form of late and will be eager to add their ninth win of the season.
Their opponents on the other hand, have had a difficult campaign and won just three of their 12 games to date.
Mount Gambier will be bolstered by the recent return of Cassandra Brown and with a near full strength side, has quality players across all areas of the court.
In the backcourt, Miela Goodchild will lead the way for the Pioneers and the Cobras will need to be at their absolute best to prevent her from doing damage.
Goodchild has scored the most points per game across all NBL1 women’s conferences this season with an average of 27.56.
Goodchild, Sherrie Calleia and Isabella Brancatisano have formed a lethal combination this season and the Cobras’ leading scorer, Georgia Booth, will need to be at her best to find a way through the trio.
An interesting battle is expected to take place in the front court and will be where Kilsyth has its best chance of claiming victory.
Alexa Hart and Alisia Jenkins have been key players for the Cobras this season and their size will be pivotal for the away side who head in as underdogs.
Hart has been one of the best shot-blockers in the conference and averages an impressive 2.25 blocks per game.
She has been a consistent performer this season and was at her best against the Nunawading Spectres in Round 3 where she recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and a steal.
Jenkins has been a recent addition to the Cobras’ line-up and averages 16.33 points and 10.67 rebounds from her three games so far.
Her rebounding prowess was on full display when she faced the Hobart Chargers as she grabbed 18 boards.
Jenkins and Hart will match-up against Mount Gambier fan-favourites Haliegh Reinoehl and Brown.
Brown has averaged 19 points and just under eight rebounds per game since she joined Mount Gambier last year and is a key player on both ends of the floor.
Reinoehl has been a pivotal player on the defensive end this season and has also contributed 15.73 points per game this season.
Action will tip-off at 6pm where the Pioneers will head in as favourites and should continue their push for a place in the top-two.
