Round 13 Preview: OneFortyOne Pioneers Return Home for Crucial Double-Header

The OneFortyOne Pioneers return to Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre this weekend for a pivotal Round 13 double-header, hosting the Knox Raiders on Friday night before backing up against the Bendigo Braves on Saturday.

With the NBL1 South season entering its final month, every game carries significant weight in the race for finals. Mount Gambier enters the weekend with a 10-8 record and will be looking to capitalise on home-court advantage against two contrasting opponents.

Friday night's matchup presents one of the biggest challenges of the season as the Pioneers take on a Knox Raiders outfit sitting second on the ladder with a 14-4 record.

Knox has established itself as one of the competition's elite defensive teams, allowing just 69.8 points per game while limiting opponents to 38.6 per cent shooting from the field. The Raiders also dominate the glass, ranking among the league's best rebounding teams with a 37.2 per cent offensive rebounding rate.

Offensively, Knox boasts talent across every position. Former WNBA guard Kristy Wallace has made an immediate impact, averaging 18.0 points per game, while Alicia Froling continues to be one of the league's premier frontcourt players with 16.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per contest. Paige Bradley provides outstanding playmaking with 14.2 points and a league-leading 6.2 assists per game, while Shaneice Swain contributes 13.1 points per outing.

Adding another storyline to Friday night's contest is the return of former OneFortyOne Pioneer Haliegh Reinoehl, who has enjoyed a strong season with Knox, averaging 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and shooting an impressive 45.5 per cent from three-point range.

The Pioneers will counter with one of the league's strongest rebounding units. Mount Gambier leads the NBL1 South with 50.7 rebounds per game and holds a +7.0 rebounding margin, creating valuable second-chance opportunities throughout the season.

Ti'lan Boler continues to lead the offence with 16.8 points per game, while Lara Edmanson has been a dominant presence inside, averaging 14.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. Carla Pitman continues to impact every facet of the game with 13.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest.

Since returning to the lineup, Kelsey Rees has strengthened the frontcourt with 13.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Abigail Prohaska adds another versatile scoring option with 12.6 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Controlling the rebounding battle against Froling and limiting Knox's second-chance opportunities will be key if the Pioneers are to challenge one of the league's title contenders.

The OneFortyOne Pioneers will have little time to recover before returning to the floor on Saturday against the Bendigo Braves.

Although Bendigo enters Round 13 with a 5-13 record, the Braves have strengthened considerably in recent weeks with the addition of experienced campaigners Kelsey Griffin and Hannah Hank, making them a far more dangerous opponent than their ladder position suggests.

Griffin has made an immediate impact, averaging 23.0 points and 10.0 rebounds across her opening two appearances, while Hank has been equally influential, averaging 21.2 points and 8.0 rebounds through her first four games.

The Braves also feature a balanced supporting cast led by Ahlise Hurst, who averages 13.5 points per game, and Mia Harvey, who contributes 11.1 points and nearly three assists per contest. Veteran guard Kelly Wilson continues to direct the offence superbly, averaging 14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and an outstanding 11.7 assists per game.

Bendigo averages 78.8 points per game and relies heavily on its perimeter scoring, averaging more than 10 made three-pointers each outing. Preventing the Braves from finding rhythm beyond the arc will be a major point of emphasis for the Pioneers' defence.

Mount Gambier will again look to utilise its rebounding strength and balanced offensive production. Boler, Edmanson, Pittman, Rees and Prohaska all average double figures, giving the Pioneers multiple scoring options capable of breaking down opposition defences.

With two home games against quality opposition, Round 13 presents an important opportunity for the OneFortyOne Pioneers to strengthen the OneFortyOne Pioneers finals position before the conclusion of the 2026 NBL1 South season.

Round 13 Fixtures