Pioneers Continue Preseason Preparations at NBL1 South Blitz

The Mount Gambier Pioneers programs continued their preparations for the upcoming 2026 NBL1 South season over the weekend, competing in the NBL1 South Blitz with both the Castec Rural Pioneers and OneFortyOne Pioneers playing multiple preseason matchups.

The Blitz provided valuable game minutes for both squads as teams continue to build chemistry, integrate new players and fine-tune rotations ahead of Round 1.

Castec Rural Pioneers vs Eltham

Saturday – NBL1 South Blitz

The Castec Rural Pioneers opened their weekend campaign with a matchup against Eltham, with the Wildcats taking the result 95–71.

Eltham started strongly, leading 24–14 at quarter time before extending the margin to 53–34 at halftime. Mount Gambier continued to compete throughout the second half as the coaching staff rotated players through the lineup, providing valuable minutes across the roster.

While the result went Eltham’s way, the game provided an important opportunity for the Pioneers to continue developing combinations and building rhythm ahead of the upcoming season.

OneFortyOne Pioneers vs Casey

Saturday – NBL1 South Blitz

The OneFortyOne Pioneers faced Casey in their opening Blitz matchup, with the contest providing another valuable preseason hit-out for the group.

The game allowed the coaching staff to continue evaluating rotations while integrating new players into the lineup. With a number of players seeing valuable court time, the matchup served as another important step in the team’s preparation for the upcoming NBL1 South season.

Sunday Results

Both Pioneers teams returned to the court on Sunday for their second games of the weekend.

The OneFortyOne Pioneers faced Nunawading, with the visitors taking the result 94–81 in another competitive preseason matchup.

Meanwhile, the Castec Rural Pioneers took on Dandenong, with the Rangers claiming a 95–79 victory to close out the weekend.

Focus Turns Toward the Season

With several preseason games now completed, both the OneFortyOne Pioneers and Castec Rural Pioneers continue to build momentum as preparations intensify for the upcoming 2026 NBL1 South season.

The Blitz provided valuable preparation minutes for both squads, allowing the coaching staff to further assess combinations while players gain important match exposure ahead of Round 1.

The OneFortyOne Pioneers women’s program has now completed all of its preseason fixtures, while the Castec Rural Pioneers men will travel to Melbourne again this weekend for two additional preseason games as preparations continue.

Both programs will take confidence from the valuable court time as they edge closer to the start of the 2026 NBL1 South season.