OneFortyOne Pioneers | NBL1 South Round 1 Recap

The OneFortyOne Pioneers opened their 2024 NBL1 South campaign on the road for a doubleheader road trip to take on two powerhouse metropolitan clubs the Sandringham Sabers and Waverley Falcons.

Both Sandringham and Waverley were two performing clubs throughout 2023, both participating in finals and making a post-season push. With the Falcons falling to the Bendigo Braves in last year's NBL1 South Championship game.

Matt Sutton and his team knew they would need to be prepared for two tough hit outs against quality opposition. 

Saturday 6th of April V Sandringham Sabres

Sandringham opened their 2024 season with a mid week game against the Knox Raiders on Wednesday night.

Across three quarters it was a heavily contested game with only as much as 6 points separating the two teams. 

But in the final quarter, the Pioneers produced 25 points to Sandrinhams nine to ensure a 17-point win.

Australian Opals squad Member Zitina Aokuso had a tremendous game recording 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 Assists and three blocks. 

Whilst Sherrie Calleia and Isabella Brancatisano troubled the Sandringham defense with 19 and 17 points respectively.

For the Sabres 

Final Score: Sandringham Sabres 68 v Mount Gambier Pioneers 85.

Game Boxscore & Video is available via the NBL1South website by clicking here.

Sunday 7th of April V Waverley Falcons

The OneFortyOne Pioneers backed up the second game of their double header home opening against the Waverley Falcons.

Whilst the Falcons were missing South Side Flyers WANBL Championship captain Bec Cole from their line up the Waverley team were prepared to make things difficult for the Pioneers from the opening tip off.

At half time the Pioneers only led by 3 points after there were multiple lead exchanges throughout the first two quarters. 

OneFortyOne Pioneer captain Isabella Brancatisano led from the front and motivated her team in the second half outscoring the Falcons by 26 points.

Brancatisano finished the game with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Whilst being heavily supported at the offensive end by Vice Captain Haliegh Reinohel with 22, Sherrie Calleia 19 and Zitina Aokuso 18 points.

For the Falcons South side Flyers championship player Carly Ernst led the team with 20 points and Amelia Todhunter with 13.

Final Score: Waverley Falcons 66 v Mount Gambier Pioneers 95.

Game Boxscore & Video is available via the NBL1South website by clicking here.