The Pioneers Basketball Club Board has hit the ground running, confirming both of the club’s head coaches will return for the 2022 NBL1 South season.
Richard Hill and Matt Sutton have worked tirelessly to ensure the Pioneers’ men and women remain competitive and successful in the last two COVID tarnished seasons and have been rewarded for their sacrifices with contract extensions.
Mount Gambier president Tom Kosch was thrilled to announce that both Sutton and Hill would return as respective coaches of the club’s women’s and men’s programs in 2022.
‘‘To have both Matt and Richard recommit is huge for our club’s planning and shaping in 2022,” he said.
“Our programs will be ready for a successful year ahead.”
In the club’s first-ever NBL1 South season, the competition was cut short this year, with only 13 completed games due to the lockdown extensions of in Victoria and state border closures.
After a second cancelled season in as many years, Kosch said giving both coaches more time to make their impact was paramount.
‘‘Coming off the disappointment of the eventually cancelled season, it was a priority for our board to retain the current coaches,” he said.
“Both Matt and Richard have been outstanding during some challenging years and continue to remain passionate and motivated for the further development of our programs.”
The 2021 season was Matt’s second season as head coach of the women’s program.
With a transformed playing squad only taking shape at the beginning of the year, the OneFortyOne Pioneers took some time to find their groove.
But the raw outfit still posted three memorable wins and displayed great progress led by Jasmin Howe and Sherrie Celleia in the back half of the season before the season was cancelled.
Sutton said he looks to build from an encouraging campaign.
“The club and league have been fantastic through a challenging time, so I look forward to a successful 2022 season,” he said.
‘‘We have taken some positive steps in a small amount of time, so I am looking forward to that continuing.
“Currently, the focus is on the development and retention of our player group, we will then look to add what we need around that to further strengthen our roster.”
The new-look Castec Rural men’s squad showed they can mix it with the best after winning nine of the 13 games to sit fifth on the ladder and be amongst the championship contenders.
Captain Tom Daly led with conviction, while the likes of Duom Dawam, Kane de Wit and Nick Marshall showcased lots of talent.
Hill joined the Pioneers in 2012 and has led Mount Gambier’s men’s program to five conference and three national championships during his stint.
Hill said it was a simple decision to continue the fruitful partnership.
“Committing to the Pioneers for 2022 was very easy, following the disappointments of the last two seasons,” he said.
“Our board, our sponsors, fans and the community are tremendously supportive of the Pioneers.
“This makes being part of this organisation both enjoyable and rewarding – I am excited by our prospects for 2022.
“I am extremely keen to continue to work with this player group.
“They have tremendous upside and I am keen to see how much more improvement we can have from within.”
The focus for both Sutton and Hill is to retain the core player group and add the required talent to compete at the top end of NBL1 South competition.
The Club will make announcements about returning players and new signings for the 2022 season in the coming weeks.
