Both the Castec Rural Men’s and OneFortyOne Women’s Mount Gambier Pioneers teams will have its first competitive preparation as they travel to Millicent this weekend to play in the annual Four-Team Challenge at Peter Seebohm Stadium.

Apart from the Pioneers teams, the tournament includes the Diamond Valley Eagles, Norwood Flames, and Woodville Warriors.

The four-team challenge has a long and successful history and is one the Pioneers look forward to at the start of each season.

Castec Rural Pioneers Head Coach Richard Hill said that it was an important weekend for the Pioneers as part of their preparations for the upcoming NBL1 season.

“It has been a very good weekend for us for a long time,” he said.

“The guys are excited because it is our first starter for our new group.”

Pioneers Basketball Club President Tom Kosch thanked Millicent Basketball Club for organising and hosting the four-club challenge.

“Millicent are a strong basketball area, and the Pioneers appreciate the partnership we have had for many years with Millicent Basketball Association,” he said.

The Pioneers men will play Woodville on Friday at 6.30pm, Norwood on Saturday at 6.30pm and Diamond Valley on Sunday at 11am.

The Pioneers women will play Norwood on Saturday at 5pm and Woodville on Sunday at 9.30 am.

The Castec Rural Pioneers and the OneFortyOne Pioneers commence their NBL1 season on the road on April 1, with the first home game at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre on April 14 against The Casey Cavaliers.