Tipene returns to Pioneers to take on NBL1 South

The Mount Gambier Pioneers Mens programme have announced the return of local guard Kyle Tipene for the club's debut NBL1 South season.

Tipene is the second local player to return to the club after spending some time playing in various state league competitions. Tipene joins Kane de Wit as another local that returns to the club in 2021.

After playing with the Pioneers in 2018 in the then SEABL competition, Tipene averaged 6.8 points and three assists per game across 20 games.

At 6’1” Tipene has a versatile skill set and with his quickness will be a great asset to the four-time SEABL champion team.

“Kyle will provide a great option for us as a player who can play either guard spot. He understands our system and is sure to be a crowd favourite,” Pioneers head coach Richard Hill said.

Following the 2018 season Tipene played with the Gladstone Port City Power in the Queensland state league where he averaged 16.11 points per game and 3.5 assists.

In 2020 Tipene committed with the Goldfield Giants in the Western Australian state league before the league fixture was cancelled due to COVID.

Club President Tom Kosch said it is great to see locals returning to Mount Gambier to be part of the NBL1 competition but as well as be part of the club and community.

"It is pleasing to see our talented local players looking at the pathway of NBL1 South as the competition of choice for them. The club has strived to be able to provide this opportunity and pathway for local and South Australian men’s and women’s players into the future," Kosch said.

The return of basketball to the Ice House is highly anticipated for the Pioneers Basketball Club and the wider Mount Gambier community.

The NBL1 season is scheduled to start April 17th against the Bendigo Braves at the Ice House.