NBL1 South Round Preview – OneFortyOne Pioneers

The OneFortyOne Pioneers head into Round 5 looking to bounce back after a loss at home against the Waverley Falcons on Anzac Day.

 

The Pioneers hold a a 5–1 record to start the 2026 NBL1 South season although they face a tough double-header on the road, taking on the Knox Raiders and the Sandringham Sabres, with both matchups presenting key early-season tests against finals-calibre opposition.

 

The weekend opens against Knox, who sit at 4–3 and bring one of the more efficient perimeter offences in the competition, shooting 39.9% from three-point range while averaging 79.6 points per game.

 

A major storyline heading into the contest is former Pioneer Haliegh Reinoehl and last years most valuable player for the Pioneers lining up against her old side. Reinoehl has been a standout for the Raiders, averaging 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while shooting an elite 52.9% from beyond the arc, making her a constant threat offensively.

 

Knox also features a dominant inside presence in Alicia Froling, who is averaging 16.5 points and 13.0 rebounds, providing strong control on the glass.

 

In the backcourt, Paige Bradley leads the playmaking with 12.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, while Shaneice Swain adds scoring punch with 14.0 points per game, giving Knox multiple offensive options.

 

The Pioneers will then face Sandringham, who also hold a 5–1 record and have established themselves as one of the form teams of the competition, highlighted by a +12.1 scoring margin.

 

The Sabres are led by a balanced offensive unit, with Stephanie Reid averaging 19.0 points and 5.5 assists per game, while Funda Nakkasoglu has shown her scoring ability with a 24-point performance this season.

 

Inside, Klara Wischer provides a strong presence, averaging 15.4 points and 11.2 rebounds, anchoring Sandringham on both ends of the floor.

 

Defensively, the Sabres apply consistent pressure, averaging 9.7 steals per game, which allows them to generate scoring opportunities in transition.

 

With both opponents sitting near the top of the ladder, this double-header presents a strong challenge for the OneFortyOne Pioneers.

 

The clash against Knox brings added intrigue with a former Pioneer on the opposing side, while the matchup with Sandringham shapes as a contest between two of the competition’s in-form teams.

 

A strong performance across the weekend would further strengthen the Pioneers’ position as one of the leading teams in the 2026 NBL1 South season.

 

OneFortyOne Pioneers vs Knox Raiders

6:00PM (SA Time)

State Basketball Centre

 

OneFortyOne Pioneers vs Sandringham Sabres

12:00PM (SA Time)

Southern Basketball Stadium