The Pioneers Basketball Club has announced its 2025 Development Player Squad.


The Pioneers provide a unique opportunity for Limestone Coast talent where both women and men can develop their game both training and playing against international and national level talent within an NBL1 competition.


Youngsters Cara Nulty, Edie Easterby, Mackenzie Burke, Poppy Venn, Jedd Tranter, Taj Brumby, Albert Peters and Wil Wimshurst have been named in the squad.


Club president Tom Kosch said the Pioneers’ coaches recognise the dedication and commitment of up and coming Pioneers and appreciate the role the development players play in the team’s pre-season preparations.


“These players have worked tirelessly throughout the summer, including weekly off-season workouts with the club’s head coaches and assistant coaches, and will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in pre-season games.,” he said.


“The development player opportunity provided by the Pioneers assists players continual development beyond domestic and representative association competitions. The opportunity to train and play within NBL1 pre-season games is hugely valuable to our players’ development.


“Basketball throughout the Limestone Coast is supported by some fantastic associations, who play a fundamental role in nurturing talent from grassroots competitions through to Under-18s.


“Many of these young athletes have honed their skills in Basketball Victoria’s Country Basketball League (CBL) during the summer, representing their respective local associations in Mount Gambier and Millicent.”


OneFortyOne Pioneers Head Coach Matt Sutton commended the efforts of the development squad, highlighting their hard work and progress during the off-season.


“I am really proud of the efforts and commitment of our local players over summer,” he said.


“They will get some great opportunities over our pre- season games, and I am really excited for them to play.”


Coach Sutton also acknowledged individual player growth.


“Macca is really starting to click with her point guard play,” he said.


“Edie has an incredible knack for her off-ball movement, which is such a great skill.


“Cara and Poppy continue to show their ability to score the basketball.”


Similarly, Castec Rural Pioneers Head Coach Richard Hill emphasised the historical impact of development players on the success of the men’s program, with many going on to further their education and basketball careers in the city.


Hill said last season’s development players, including Jack Haggett, Harry Mules and Jackson Bowden, played a significant role in the team’s success.


“Jack has since earned a basketball scholarship in the United States, while Jackson and Harry have signed with the Eastern Mavericks in NBL1 Central while attending university in Adelaide,” he said.


Coach Hill expressed his excitement for the next wave of young talent stepping up this season.


“We are very fortunate to have the next wave of young talent complete our roster,” he said.


“Taj Brumby, a dynamic shooting guard; Jedd Tranter, a tough defensive-minded point guard; Wil Wimshurst, a versatile forward; and Albert Peters, an athletic wing, will provide the depth and support that is so important to the success of our team.


“These four young men have great potential and have been working very hard both individually and in our team sessions.”


Hill said the hard work of the young athletes was on display during the weekend’s Millicent tournament, where they contributed valuable minutes to the team.


“Both Wil (under 18) and Albert (under 16) have also earned selections to represent SA Country at this year’s National Championships, a testament to their growing potential and dedication,” he said.


“I am genuinely excited about the prospects of our four development players.


“They have great potential to go with good attitudes and work ethics.”


Kosch said the Pioneers Basketball Club remains committed to fostering local talent and providing a platform for emerging athletes to develop their game at a high level.


The club is currently seeking player sponsorships to support the continued growth and development of these young stars throughout the Limestone Coast.


For sponsorship inquiries or more information on the development program, please contact the Pioneers Basketball Club.