Pioneers men still undefeated

Reigning champions down the Pioneers women in their first loss

The Castec Rural Supplies Mount Gambier Pioneers men remain undefeated after securing a home court victory over Ringwood Hawks 92-79.

Having won their opening five matches in impressive fashions this season, the Pioneers kept their momentum going with 21 points to 15 in the opening quarter against the travelling Ringwood.

It was in the third quarter, though, that the home side stamped thier authority on the contest, taking the period by nine points to relgate the Hawsk to a 2-4 season record and continue thier own perfect 6-0 run.

Jacob Lampkin (pictured right) produced a big showing in the win for the Pioneers made up of 21 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Will Mayfield also contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, Austin Shelley (pictured left) 17 points, three boards, three assists and three steals, and Nick Marshall 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Things did not go as smoothly for the OneFortyOne Pioneers women who tried to voercome a sluggish opening half to run down the 2022 reigning champions but in the end fell to a 10 point defenat - their first of 2023.

Ringwood started well with 19 points to 12 in the opening quarter beneficiary the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

“I knew a little bit about it but not actually what was the driving force behind it and it is amazing what they do,” Luke said.

His funds will be filtered into the Stand Like Stone Foundation general fund.

“It is such a good foundation so hopefully I can raise plenty of money,” he said.

Admitting her has no dancing skills at all, just over a month into rehearsals and Luke is actually enjoying the challenge.

“It is better than what I thought it was going to be,” he said. “It is tricky to get everything going at once, your arms, your feet, but it is good fun and the group is a really fun group.”

The biggest challenge for Luke will be finding those extra times for rehearsing as the June 17 gala performance approaches – his hospitality career leaves scant free time.

“But we are intending to ramp it up as it gets closer,” he said.

Luke does have a secret weapon though – his partner Chanel Dimuccio is a dance teacher.

“I have been able to do a little bit of extra practice at home,” he said. “It was also good when I got to the first meeting that I knew a few of the guys involved.”

And while Luke and all the eight stars are looking to do their best on the dance floor, it is the impact they can have in the community that is the main driving force.

“There’s a lot of people out there in the community that need extra help,” Luke said. “I have somehow found myself with a voice and a bit of a following and why would you not use that to help people.”

Kahlia Egan recruited the well known community advocate to the 2023 event.

“I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ and then I stopped and thought about it, especially with the time it would take me away from my family but in the end, the chance to do something different and something worthwhile for the community was the reason I was happy to get involved.”

Happy to play football in front of a crowd, hitting the dancefloor in front of a packed Barn Palais is going to be a completely different challenge.

“I know I will be nervous, very nervous,” Luke said. “It is a different sort of performing and in front of different people and I am not the best dancer but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for people and have a laugh at myself.” and then the Hawks turned it on in the second term with 30 points to 15 in the second term to go into the half-time break in control 49-27.

Luke has some promotions and events going on at The Globe Hotel and Jens Hotel so follow him on his social media platforms for details on how you can get involved or donate through the Stahd Like Stone Foundation website and follow the links.

The Pioneers cerainly lifeted the intensity nad workrate in the second half but just couldn;t reel in the 22 point half time deficit.

Miela Goodchild produced a big showing for Mount Gambier despite the loss with 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals with Haliegh Reinoehl adding 16 points and five boards, Isabella Brancatisano 12 points and eight rebounds, and Sherrie Calleia 10 points and four assists.