James Murphy
THE Mount Gambier Pioneers have their first home games of the season this weekend when hosting a double-header for Round 2 of the 2024 NBL1 South competition.
Both teams enter the round with confidence after two wins last week, with the women to open the weekend against Frankston Blues on Saturday night.
That will be followed by an encounter with Ballarat Miners on Sunday, with both games promising to be a challenge against some strong opposition.
The Pioneers will look to impress on their home deck, with an influx of fans expected to fill out the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre across the weekend.
Head women’s coach Matt Sutton looked forward to giving the home crowd a proper look at the 2024 roster in action.
“We can’t wait to get on court,” he said.
“It is a short week preparation for two of the elite teams in our competition.
“It is going to be a real challenge.”
However, Sutton was confident in the ability of his team, in what he described as a strong competition across the board.
“We think we match up well against all teams in the competition – as they do against us,” he said.
“It is an evenly spread comp, so you have to be at your best at all times and prepare really well.
“We are really excited for the challenge.”
Isabella Brancatisano was a standout in the opening round and will be out to impress again, while it was a strong performance all around from the side.
The starting five all scored double figures in both games and Zitina Aokuso and Sammy Fatkin also dominated the boards.
There will be plenty of local incentive coming off the bench, with the likes of Cara Nulty, Tenielle Human and Keryl Ousey out to impress.
When asked what he was
“I am excited for (the fans) to see a happy and healthy Zitina Aokuso and see how well the girls are gelling,” Sutton said.
“The effort they put forward will be something that makes the fans pretty proud.”
Saturday’s match tips off at 6pm, while Sunday’s clash is pencilled in for 12pm.
