The Mount Gambier Pioneers have been crowned the NBL1 South conference’s Club of the Year, following a stellar year both on and off the court.
The prestigious award was announced at the NBL1 South awards evening in Melbourne on Friday night.
In addition to the accolade, OneFortyOne Pioneers women player Isabella Brancatisano was named defensive player of the year, while Miela Goodchild was named in the All Star 5.
In announcing the awards, the league said the Pioneers had experienced a great season of growth and development.
“Off court their new venue has been a solid success and on court (it was) a solid season that saw both teams reach the preliminary final,” the league said.
In accepting the award, Pioneers club president Tom Kosch said the accolade belonged to the whole club.
“I think it’s been a huge journey for our basketball club,” he said.
“There are a lot of people who work tirelessly outside of our own businesses and jobs.
“I’d also like to thank our coaching staff Matt Sutton and Richard Hill and … huge props to our club.
“Thank you very much for your support and we look forward to 2024.”
The OneFortyOne Pioneers and Castec Rural Pioneers also celebrated the end of the season with an awards evening in Mount Gambier last week.
The evening recognised the players’ contributions for the season, which saw the club establish Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre as its new home court.
The OneFortyOne Pioneers recognised Sherrie Calleia with the Golden Hands Award, Haliegh Reinoehl received the Coaches Trophy, Isabella Brancatisano was awarded the Melissa Russell Award and Miela Goodchild was named the team’s most valuable player and presented the Beth Serle Medal.
In the Castec Rural Pioneers side, Austin Shelley was named Most Improved and captain Kane de Wit declared Best Defensive Player.
Fan favourite Jacob Lampkin was the runner up most valuable player, while Nick Marshall was named the Kurt Russell Finals Player of the Year and also the team’s most valuable player, receiving the Allan Scott Medal.
The Pioneers also acknowledged board members Jacinta Jones and Jayne Bonney as the joint winners of the 2023 Jason Joynes Club Person of the Year Award.
“The commitment of both Jacinta and Jayne has been paramount in bringing a whole new game night experience to our basketball community, and their countless hours of hard work is invaluable, the club said.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Tim Boxall and Chris Bonney.
“We value all of our volunteers who ensure our game nights and season run smoothly,” the club said.
“And this year, we’re thrilled to announce two more than worthy winners of the 2023 Volunteers of the Year Award, and thank you, Tim Boxall and Chris Bonney.”
