Coaches locked in

Last month, the Pioneers announced the re-signing of 2022 NBL1 South Women’s Coach of the Year Matt Sutton for the next three seasons, and now the Pioneers have confirmed the most successful coach in Pioneer history and the 2024 NBL1 South Men’s Coach of the Year Richard Hill has re-signed for another season.

The Pioneers Basketball Club Board is excited and delighted that both Sutton and Hill will continue in the top jobs for 2025.

Club president Tom Kosch said that for Hill to recommit for 2025 is outstanding for the Pioneers planning and strengthening of the club’s programs, ready to continue the club’s success in NBL1 South.

“Richard has given so much to our basketball club allowing us to proudly become one of the most successful regional sporting teams in Australia,” Kosch said.

In the recently concluded 2024 NBL1 South season, the Castec Rural Pioneers had a successful season, winning 17 and losing 5, finishing the regular season on top of the table before being defeated in the semi final.

Richard Hill became a Pioneer in 2012 and has led Mount Gambier’s men’s program to five conference and three national championships over his time as head coach.

Hill said committing to the Pioneers for 2025 was easy as the team has unfinished business following the loss in the 2024 NBL1 South Semi Final.

“The support I have received from the Pioneers board, my support staff and our great group of players ultimately made my decision to return for another season easy,” Hill said.

“After another successful 2024, I am excited by our prospects for 2025.

I’m eager to continue my journey and get back to work with this tremendous club as we strive for the ultimate success.”

Kosch was also thrilled to secure Sutton’s services for the women’s program – that signature secured during the NBL1 South 2024 play offs.

”Matt has been outstanding during his time as head coach and continues to remain passionate and motivated for the further development of our women’s program,” Kosch said.

“To have Matt recommit for three years is massive for our club’s planning and shaping our programs ready for further success.”

Sutton is the inaugural and only head women’s coach in the club’s history, guiding the team to the finals in each of the past three seasons.

The success of Sutton’s work with the team was recognised at the league level when he was named the 2022 NBL1 South Coach of the Year.

Sutton said he was extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue as head coach of the OneFortyOne Mount Gambier Pioneers.

“‘Through the early years of our program, we have had some really strong results, we aim to build on this going forward,” Sutton said.

“It’s a blessing to be part of this great club and participate in the NBL1 South, which is such a strong league.”

The club will make announcements about returning players and new signings for the 2025 season in the coming months.