By Trevor Jackson
HAVING returned to the winner’s list last weekend, the Mount Gambier Pioneers men will look to continue that form when they host Diamond Valley Eagles on Friday night.
The Wulanda Recreation Centre has certainly lived up to expectations, providing a quality playing surface and impressive viewing for spectators.
That gives the Pioneers every reason to send the Eagles home with a loss, but much depends on how the playing group comes together.
There has been interruptions, with an import sent home, Nick Marshall injured, the return of Tom Kubank after a stint overseas and Jacob Lampkin back on deck after an injury kept him sidelined.
Leonard HarperBaker came into cover the missing import player, along with the hole left by Marshall’s injury and with Kubank back last week, the Pioneers added a much-needed victory over Kilsyth to their books.
However, Kilsyth sits in 16th place with five wins and nine losses, while Diamond Valley are in eighth place, just one below the Pioneers, with seven wins and six losses.
The Pioneers hold down seventh place with seven wins and five losses.
Coach Richard Hill suggested a team needed to finish as high as fourth to have a real chance at a championship title, which leaves plenty of work still to do for the Mount Gambier side.
It was no surprise to see Lampkin with a double-double last weekend, with the big man showing some dominance around the hoop.
He currently sits third overall in the league for rebounds, with an average of 12.57 per game.
HarperBaker has also had an impact around the boards, with an average of 12.5 in his short time with the Pioneers.
The side is well led by Kane deWith, with plenty of experience in the competition.
The defence will have to work well, with the likes of BJ Symons, Ngor Manyang and Mandrell Worthy all tough opponents around the basket.
While time is running out for the season, the Pioneers are in a good place for a playoff spot, but the higher up the ladder, the better their chances will be.
That makes every game important and this one will be a clash not to miss.
The game tips off at 8pm SA time, following the women’s match.
