Playing roster for 2023 already taking shape

Pioneers hit the ground running with player signings

With the locking in of Richard Hill as the Castec Rural Supplies Mount Gambier Pioneers men’s coach and 2022 NBL1 South Coach of the Year Matt Sutton for the OneFortyOne Pioneers women’s program, attention has now turned to putting together the 2023 player rosters and the women’s program has got off to a flying start.

US import Haliegh Reinoehl was the first to put pen to paper after proving to be a key in the Pioneers’ strong 2022.

Twenty-five-year-old Reinoehl (pictured below left) played four years of college basketball in the starting five with Akron with her performances improving with each successive year before playing the 2020-21 season in Switzerland averaging 17.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg.

In her debut season for the Pioneers Reinoehl experienced some disruption with a broken hand early in the season but still played 19 matches averaging 11.05 points and 6.89 rebounds per game.

Sutton was thrilled that Reinoehl would be back in town for 2023.

“I am extremely happy to have Haliegh back with our program for another year. She was an extremely positive influence on our program and within the community during 2022,” he said. “She had a disrupted season with the hand break, so we look forward to her having a full and healthy season. She will come back an even better player for 2023.”

Reinoehl’s signing was quickly followed by 2022 Beth Serle Medallist Cassandra Brown (pictured below right) also committing for the 2023 season.

The experienced 190.5cm Canadian means both 2022 international signings will be calling Mount Gambier home again for the 2023 season.

Brown is a high performing international player who has played in leagues in Luxembourg, Sweden, Greece, Slovakia and Poland. She has represented Canada at both Under 18s and, more recently, for the Canadian Team in the 2019 Pan American Games. Brown has played professionally since she left University in 2015.

Sutton was ecstatic that Brown will remain part of his roster for the coming season. “It’s great to have Cassandra back; she’s a true professional that brings a lot of experience to our group,” Sutton said. “Her commitment to both ends of the court sets a standard for our team, and her versatility gives us flexibility in our line ups.”

In her debut NBL1 season in 2022, Brown averaged 50.7% shooting from the field with an impressive 19.42 points per game, together with 7.71 rebounds per game. In 2023 Brown will once more add extra depth to the team as an excellent offensive contributor for the team but also a strong defensive performer.

The women’s program has also signed its first new face for the 2023 season with Imogen Rock (pictured above – photo courtesy of Ian Knight), an emerging star who has played two impressive NBL1 seasons with the Diamond Valley Eagles and is currently training with Southside Flyers in the Women’s National Basketball League, committing to the club.

“We are really excited to add Imogen to the group, she comes from the success of recently winning gold at the U20 nationals representing Victoria,” Sutton said. “She’s capable of being an elite defender and her ability to play down hill will enhance our transition game, she will add a lot to our team.”

Rock shot at 40% from the floor in the 2022 NBL1 South season averaging 7.14 points per game and 3.93 rebounds per game. Her career high in NBL1 is an impressive 19 points against Sandringham in April this year.