James Murphy
MOUNT Gambier Pioneers fans will be treated to a sneak peak of the fresh women’s lineup this weekend when the club contests the 2024 Millicent 4 Team Challenge.
Hosted at Peter Seebohm Stadium by the Millicent and District Basketball Association, the annual event give the Pioneers a chance to test their rosters ahead of the coming NBL1 South season.
Games will be played against Woodville and Norwood women’s teams, one on Saturday night and the other on Sunday morning.
Pioneers women’s coach Matt Sutton looked forward to the weekend despite limited preparation time.
“We have had Haliegh (Reinoehl) and Sammy (Fatkin) and Isabella (Brancatisano) all arrive this week, so we are probably feeling like we are not as prepared for the games as we could be,” he said.
“But we are excited nonetheless to play because playing is always better than training.”
The Pioneers women have recruited well over the off-season but will not be full strength this weekend.
“We still have five recruits to come in – three of our younger crew are with the Under 18 SA Country team, so they will be with them on the weekend,” Sutton said.
The SA Country Under 18 girls will play an exhibition match against the Junior Pioneers women on Saturday afternoon, which will showcase some of the local basketball talent.
However, due to availability Sutton said the Junior Pioneers team has been bolstered by players from the region who are not necessarily connected to the Pioneers program.
Looking at the senior games and Sutton said the main focus will be on his team and setting things up internally, with results coming second.
“We have done a lot of work on us and we will do a lot of work on us this weekend,” Sutton said.
“Hopefully we can set some standards and build on that – it will be more about us than the opposition.”
Regardless, Sutton hoped to see his team continue to build on the strong foundations established in recent seasons.
“I think we will be a team that should connect well together and a team that will work really hard,” Sutton said.
“As for talent and end results, we will see how those things go as we get along.
“The league has gotten a lot stronger, as it does each year, so we will just have to see once we have everyone here how it gels and what our ceiling is.”
When asked about any players to watch out for, Sutton said “everyone will play their role”.
“We are looking forward to having a bigger role for Zitina Aokuso, who will hopefully have a happier and healthier season,” he said.
“When Tayah Burrows arrives from Sweden, I think she will very quickly become a fan favourite and have a big impact for us.”
Anyone eager for a glimpse at the Pioneers women ahead of the NBL1 South season kicks off next month can
4 TEAM CHALLENGE SCHEDULE
Friday, March 1 – Pioneers Men v Norwood, 6.30pm.
Saturday, March 2 – Junior Pioneers Women v SAC U18, 1pm; Pioneers Women v Norwood, 5pm; Pioneers Men v Woodville, 6.30pm.
Sunday, March 3 – Pioneers Women v Woodville, 9.30am; Pioneers Men v Diamond Valley, 11am.
