OneFortyOne Pioneers Round 12 Preview: Dandenong Rangers & Nunawading Spectres

The OneFortyOne Pioneers hit the road for Round 12 of the NBL1 South season this weekend, travelling to Melbourne for a pair of important contests against the Dandenong Rangers and Nunawading Spectres.

Mount Gambier enters the weekend holding a 10-6 record and firmly positioned inside the NBL1 South finals race as the season enters its crucial final stretch.

The first challenge of the weekend sees the Pioneers take on a Dandenong Rangers side sitting at 7-10 and looking to strengthen its finals aspirations on its home floor.

Mount Gambier continues to be led by one of the league's most balanced starting groups. Ti'lan Boler is averaging a team-high 17.4 points per game, while Lara Edmanson (14.3 points, 9.9 rebounds), Carla Pitman (13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds), Kelsey Rees (13.4 points, 9.9 rebounds) and Abigail Prohaska (12.6 points per game) have all played important roles throughout the season.

The chemistry of the Pioneers' core group has been a major strength. The lineup featuring Boler, Champion, Edmanson, Pittman and Rees has produced one of Mount Gambier's most effective combinations this season, posting a +50.2 net rating while averaging 1.25 points per possession.

Dandenong presents a significant challenge offensively with multiple scoring options capable of impacting the game. Marena Whittle leads the Rangers with 21.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 58.8 per cent from three-point range. Haley Peters (19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds), Adrianna Smith (18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists) and Imogen Rock (16.9 points, 6.5 rebounds) provide the Rangers with one of the deeper offensive rotations in the competition.

The Rangers average 78.3 points per game and hold a +5.5 rebounding advantage over opponents, making control of the glass a key area for the Pioneers. The matchup inside between Rees, Edmanson and Dandenong's frontcourt will likely play a major role in determining the outcome.

There will also be a familiar face on the opposite bench, with Catherine MacGregor set to face her former club after representing the Pioneers during the 2025 NBL1 South season. MacGregor is averaging 10.1 points per game and remains a dangerous perimeter shooter capable of stretching the defence.

Defensively, Mount Gambier will be focused on limiting Dandenong's transition opportunities and contesting the Rangers' perimeter threats, while looking to utilise its own offensive depth and experience in key moments.

The Pioneers will continue their Round 12 road trip on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Nunawading Spectres at Nunawading Basketball Centre.

The Spectres enter the contest at 6-11 and looking to keep their postseason hopes alive, while Mount Gambier will be aiming to strengthen its position inside the top group of the NBL1 South standings.

The Pioneers have continued to build consistency throughout the season and currently rank among the competition's strongest offensive and defensive teams, averaging 86.2 points per game while conceding just 80.1 points. Their +7.2 net rating reflects their ability to impact games at both ends of the floor.

The combination of Carla Pitman, Ti'lan Boler, Lara Edmanson and Kelsey Rees has continued to provide Mount Gambier with one of the most versatile starting groups in NBL1 South.
Boler leads the Pioneers in scoring at 17.4 points per game while Pittman (13.9), Edmanson (14.3) and Rees (13.4) all average double figures. Rees and Edmanson have also been dominant on the glass, each pulling down 9.9 rebounds per contest.

The Pioneers' starting lineup has been particularly effective this season. The combination of Boler, Champion, Edmanson, Pittman and Rees has produced a remarkable +50.2 net rating, combining elite offensive production with stifling defence. Another frequently used lineup featuring Boler, Edmanson, Langton, Pittman and Prohaska has also delivered a +20.9 net rating.

Nunawading enters the contest averaging 75.9 points per game while shooting 38.6 per cent from the field. The Spectres are heavily reliant on their perimeter attack, averaging 9.9 made three-pointers per game, one of the highest marks in the league.

Leading the way is import Charlise Dunn, who has been one of the competition's most productive players. Dunn averages 22.6 points and 11 rebounds per game while also contributing 1.8 steals. Her ability to score both inside and outside makes her the focal point of the Spectres' offence.

Kylee Blacksten has also enjoyed a strong season, averaging 15.6 points per game, while Riley Lupfer provides a significant perimeter threat with 14.1 points per contest and over three made three-pointers per game.

Eliza Hollingsworth adds another important inside presence for Nunawading, averaging 11.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Containing Dunn and limiting Nunawading's three-point opportunities will be key areas of focus for the Pioneers. The Spectres attempt more than 33 three-pointers per game and are capable of generating scoring runs quickly when they find rhythm from beyond the arc.

For Mount Gambier, continuing to dominate the rebounding battle and capitalising on their offensive efficiency will be critical. The Pioneers have consistently found success when Rees and Edmanson establish themselves around the basket, creating opportunities for Pittman, Boler and Grace Champion to attack from the perimeter.

The matchup will also provide another opportunity for the Pioneers to continue building momentum as they enter the crucial back half of the NBL1 South season, with every result carrying significant finals implications.

Round 12 Fixtures
Saturday 27 June 2026
Dandenong Rangers vs OneFortyOne Pioneers
Women – 5:30pm AEST
Dandenong Basketball Stadium

Sunday 28 June 2026
Nunawading Spectres vs OneFortyOne Pioneers
Women – 12:00pm AEST
Nunawading Basketball Centre