Castec Rural Pioneers Men’s Preview – Round 9 vs Ringwood Hawks

The Mt Gambier Pioneers look to back it up at home this Friday night against the Ringwood Hawks. The Round 9 matchup is key to the team returning to the winners list and a key opportunity for the club to make a stamp on the competition.

 

Currently sitting at 5-7, the Castec Rural Pioneers have shown glimpses throughout the season despite battling an undermanned roster across the opening rounds. With the group slowly getting healthier and continuity beginning to build, Friday night’s clash against the Ringwood Hawks presents another important opportunity in a tightly contested NBL1 South season.

 

After the two teams meeting in Round 1, Ringwood will also enter the contest with a 5-7 record and one of the competition’s more dangerous offensive units, averaging 91 points per game while shooting an impressive 39.4 per cent from beyond the arc — ranked among the league’s best perimeter shooting teams.

 

The Hawks feature multiple scoring threats led by guard Jonathan Lawton, who has quickly become one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter players. Lawton is averaging 20.1 points per game while shooting 46 per cent from three-point range, including 55.9 per cent across his last five outings.

 

Uche Dibiamaka also provides major offensive firepower for Ringwood, averaging 18.9 points per game alongside strong perimeter shooting at 40.5 per cent from deep. Harrison Sealey continues to steer the Hawks’ offence with 15.7 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Tom Carroll stretches the floor effectively from the forward position, connecting at 45 per cent from long range.

 

Inside, Chris Brandon and Lawson Eales give Ringwood important frontcourt presence, combining for over 15 rebounds per game and providing physicality around the basket.

 

While Ringwood’s offence has been one of its strengths, the Hawks have also conceded 94.7 points per game this season and currently sit with a negative rebounding margin, areas the Pioneers will look to capitalise on at home.

 

For Mt Gambier, Friday night shapes as another important step in bringing the group back together after a difficult stretch through injuries and roster interruptions. With returning players adding depth and stability back into the rotation, the Pioneers will look to bring energy on both ends of the floor against a high-scoring Hawks outfit.

 

Castec Rural Pioneers vs Ringwood Hawks

Friday, 29 May 2026

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

 

Women — 6:00pm ACST

Men — 8:00pm ACST