Monaghan shakes the Blues

TOUGH CUSTOMER: Vincent Monaghan is expected to provide plenty of spark for the Pioneers. Picture: TRENT MOORE SPORTS PHOTOGREAPHY

The Castec Rural Pioneers this week announced Vincent Monaghan will suit up as a Pioneer for the 2024 NBL1 South Season.

The 24-year-old Monaghan played 22 games across two seasons with the Frankston Blues as a guard.

He was also the 2021-22 MVP in the Gippsland and North West conferences, averaging 25.1 points.

Pioneers head coach Richard Hill said he expects Monaghan to be the surprise packet of the roster in 2024.

“His performances at our off-season training camps were very impressive,” he said.

“Tough and committed to being the best he can be, Vin will get the opportunity to grow his game with the Pioneers.

“An excellent shooter and a physical and versatile defender, he will fit into our group perfectly.”

The Castec Rural Pioneers and OneFortyOne Pioneers are scheduled to play their first game in the 2024 NBL1 South season against Sandringham Sabres on April 6.

Their first home game at Wulanda will be against the Frankston Blues on Saturday, April 13.