Frankston 115 (B. Strzebonski 31, M.
Timmons 26) d Star FM Mount Gambier
Pioneers 85 (R. Blankson 33, D.
Jeffree 31)
SOMETIMES the scoreboard accurately
reflects the difference between two
teams and on other occasions it says
little about how the sides played.
It was certainly a case of the
latter on Friday night, as the
undermanned Star FM Mount Gambier
Pioneers gave their all against a
talented Frankston Blues squad that
is currently in a three way battle
for second spot in the East
Conference.
The Pioneers lost the match at the
Icehouse 115-85, but for three
quarters it was a quality contest
with the home side right in the
contest.
While they never totally dominated
the Blues for any stretch of the
match, the Pioneers did not look out
of place going toe for toe against
the visitors and although sporting
contests are often filled with ifs
and buts, you could not help but
think 'if only Lewis and Shepherd
were on the floor'.
Lewis missed his second game due to
an arm injury, while Shepherd was on
crutches after injuring his ankle
Thursday afternoon.
That is 31.6 points, 11.5 rebounds
and three assists out of the
starting line-up.
The opening quarter remained tight
for the full 12 minutes, as the
Pioneers had the right answer for
the Blues - Ryan Blankson.
Blankson scored 11 points and again
proved he could get it done against
premier opposition, but he was far
from the only contributor.
Daniel Wilson seemed to enjoy the
extra responsibility as the starting
point guard and Dallas Jeffree and
Jason Sedlock were particularly good
defensively.
The Pioneers continued to play well
in the second quarter and remained
in the game for much of the third
term, trailing by just 12 points
with a quarter to play.
Unfortunately this is where the home
side ran out of steam and the Blues,
like a top team should, took full
advantage.
Frankston guard Bart Strzebonski
destroyed his former team - scoring
31 points, grabbing six rebounds and
handing out four assists - and
former NBL player Marcus Timmons hit
a number of long range bombs to show
what kind of affect he can have on a
match when he is looking to score.
Blankson finished with 33 points to
lead the way for the Pioneers, while
Jeffree, who had some moments of
exceptional shooting, scored 31.
Despite the loss, the Pioneers are
in the top four in the South
Conference, but needs to split its
road trip to Tasmania this weekend
to keep its playoff hopes alive.