The Mount Gambier Pioneers community put a tough 2021 season behind them in the best way possible by enjoying the Serle-Scott Medal at the Commodore on the Park last Friday night.

Despite learning both the men’s and women’s inaugural NBL1 South seasons were cancelled during a somber week, Pioneers’ players, support staff, sponsors, volunteers, friends and family all had a blast.

Due to the team only hitting the court 13 times across a season full of COVID chaos, the prestigious Serle-Scott Medal was not awarded.

However, many other awards ensured the night remained a special occasion with Mount Gambier’s top ballers and supporters receiving the recognition they deserved.

Most consistent player was the women’s captain Jasmin Howe.

Coach Matt Sutton said he was proud to have Howe lead the team into battle.

“I got very connected to her through her passion for basketball and the Pioneers,” he said.

“She was also someone very willing to give back to the club and was super consistent at both ends of the court.”

Howe said she was thrilled to lead a passionately backed team.

“It was really good we had great support from the club, sponsors and coaching staff,” she said.

“Without the hard work of Matt our coach, Jess our manager, Laura our physio and all the other volunteers we would not be able to play the game we love, so we are very grateful from the bottom of our hearts.

“I do not think the 3-10 record represented who we are because we just started to find our groove, but we went out on a winning note.”

The best defensive player award went to Shakera Reilly and Sutton said off the court she was one of the nicest people you would ever meet, but on court she turned into the toughest competitor.

After bouncing back from a severe injury in the pre-season and showing unrelenting commitment despite being forced to watch her teammates on the court from the sidelines, local Emily Dawe was handed the coach’s award.

Sutton said his team was a small part the club’s monumental effort to play in 2021.

“We have never been in this position before, but there is plenty of excitement and optimism going forward after some out-of-the-box thinking during the pandemic,” he said.

“I would like to thank the club, because when we were close to extinction many volunteers put their hands up.

“The support networks around the players who were travelling across borders also did not go unnoticed.

“Getting on court competitively was a roadblock, but the girls love and appreciation for each other meant they still came week in, week out and their willingness to help the community was something I admired.”

Some new recruits headlined the men’s awards.

Star shooter Duom Dawam claimed the most consistent trophy, while Nick Marshall impressed to be recognised with the coach’s award.

In his first year back from a stint away, familiar name Kane de Witt was named the best defensive player.

During a powerful speech, men’s captain Tom Daly was touched by every member of the setup after the “hardest” year.

“Getting kicked out a couple of years ago was really bad and all of the uncertainty and rubbish that comes from COVID-19 made life really hard, so we are very appreciative of the club’s labour of love to make sure we are still here,” he said.

“This is the second highest league in Australia, so it takes a lot out of the players to train and play each week and it was a massive team effort from everyone in the club.

“I thought we were building towards championship number five because the synergy was right and the only thing that was going to stop us was COVID, which won out unfortunately.

“I think this year was the hardest because we thought we were good for the season and then break, before we would get back and build rhythm and stop again.

“Then we went on the road and scored some wins, but we had to stop again and despite all of the uncertainly, the team has not wavered for a moment and tried their guts out.

“As a captain, this year has been the proudest I have been of the club.”

Bright prospects from the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy Jack Wilkinson and Ambar Beveridge were recognised for their special efforts this year.

The Pioneers have one more special event on their 2021 calendar where the club hosts its annual Auction Night at the Commodore this Saturday from 7pm.