By Trevor Jackson
THE final minor round of the NBL1 South basketball season is here, with the Pioneers to host the Ringwood Hawks at Wulanda on Friday night.
The Pioneers men currently sit clear at the top of the ladder, while the Hawks have struggled this season to be down in 17th.
However, after last week’s loss to the Melbourne Tigers, another side down the ladder, another victory is certainly not assured.
There is no current-season history between the two sides.
Ringwood went down last round to Nunawading Spectres by 16 points, in a game where only three Hawks reached double figures.
Harry Sealey was the danger man with 31 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Braelen Bridges dropped 16 points and pulled down six rebounds, while Ngor Nai chipped in with 14 points.
The Pioneers saw a big weekend from Akech Aliir, who finished the round with a pair of double-doubles.
Against the Knox Raiders Aliir was joined in double figures by Dylan Marshall (20), Titus Robinson (16) and Austin Shelley (12).
The men won that game, then on the Saturday against the Tigers they fell five points short.
Alliir was impressive with 35 points and 13 rebounds to keep his breakout weekend rolling.
Shelley (14) and Christian Peevy (13) also reached double figures.
A win will ensure top spot on the ladder and two guaranteed home play-offs, as does second place.
That will provide a big advantage to the travelling Pioneers, who are no strangers to long road trips, unlike the Hawks.
If coach Richard Hill has a full squad at his disposal, the Pioneers should claim this one comfortably.
