Nine Mount Gambier Pioneers to watch ahead of the 2022 NBL1 basketball season including Tom Daly, Michael Harris and Jasmin Howe
With the NBL1 South preseason in full gear, these are the Mount Gambier Pioneers players expected to shine during season 2022.
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April’s NBL1 South season start is now in sight and Mount Gambier’s top club has continued its strong preseason preparation.
The Pioneers have made some strong additions to both their men and women sides, with players like Michael Harris and Cassandra Brown joining the ranks for 2022.
With preseason speeding up and the season fast approaching, we’ve got the nine players to keep an eye on as the club pushes for finals success.
Michael Harris
Harris is one of the Pioneers’ biggest ever signings, the versatile guard returning to his junior club after a huge year at Forestville.
He was Youth Player of the Year and part of the NBL1 Central all-star team in 2021 after a fantastic season in which he averaged over 20 points to go along with four assists and seven rebounds.
The former Eagles star and Adelaide United development player will be a big boost for the Pioneers’ offence as they aim for a successful finals campaign this season.
Cassandra Brown
Another addition to this year’s campaign, Brown has women’s coach Matt Sutton excited by what she can provide.
An import from Canada, Brown is a strong and versatile forward who can do everything on the offensive end.
“She’s an impressive forward with both inside and outside presence,” Sutton said.
“She adds some real scoring punch to our roster.”
Tom Daly
Former Adelaide 36er Daly has been a star of South Australian basketball for multiple years.
The dynamic point guard has been a grand final MVP and is at the heart of the Pioneers’ offence.
He played 70 games for the 36ers before joining Mount Gambier and has since made his influence felt on and off the court – also helping to run the Tenison Woods College basketball program.
Daly averaged close to 20 points a game last season and will be looking to build on yet another successful year this time around as the Pioneers push for a title.
Sherrie Calleia
Calleia, currently playing for Sydney in the WNBL, has continued her upward trajectory as a star guard.
With her high-level ability to run fastbreaks and create the best opportunities for her teammates, she will be a fundamental player for Mount Gambier’s women as they aim for an improved 2022.
Coach Matt Sutton said Calleia could set the tone for his team’s season.
“She’s a really hard worker on and off the floor,” Sutton said.
“She’s also one of the best downhill players in the league which is big for us.”
Nick Marshall
Marshall is a talented and versatile guard who has played as a development player at the 36ers.
He averaged 16 points and six rebounds a game for the Pioneers in 2021 and looks set to continue his radical development.
His scoring ability has become a fundamental part of Mount Gambier’s play and he has also shown signs of what he can do on the defensive end.
Georgia Winter
Young gun Georgia Winter has committed to the Pioneers for season 2022 after successful stints as a young up and comer with the Millicent Magic and Mt Gambier Lakers.
A forward with versatile abilities, including a smooth jump shot, Winter will add another string to the Pioneers’ offensive bow.
Coach Matt Sutton was happy to have Winter locked in for the coming season.
“It’s great to have another local talented player commit to the group. She’s been working hard and is very coachable.”
Erik Burdon
Veteran guard Erik Burdon is set to take his leadership to another level in 2022.
The former 36er is able to provide valuable minutes in multiple positions, executing his role as a top-quality glue guy to perfection.
Coach Richard Hill said Burdon’s experience would be a valuable asset.
“Erik is very valuable for us. He’s a three-time national South East Australia Basketball League champion with us and also an NBL champion with Perth,” Hill said.
Jasmin Howe
Howe was the Pioneers’ leading scorer last year, with a strong average of 18 points a game.
She is a talented guard who isn’t afraid to put up a shot and can also create open looks for her teammates.
Coach Sutton was full of praise for Howe’s scoring talent.
“Jasmin is working hard to improve her game, which is great to see,” Sutton said.
“She’s one of the best shooters in the league and is always a focal point for us.”
Kane De Wit
De Wit is a talented guard who can do it all on the floor.
Last season he averaged over five assists and rebounds from the guard position and showed promising ability on the defensive end.
De Wit is known for bringing high intensity to the court every game and coach Richard Hill believed he could take the next step this year.
“He’s a very, very good player,” Hill said.
“He’s also a local guy which is great and is always versatile and tough. We’re looking forward to watching him develop this season.”
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