Mount Gambier have been in the competition for two years now, but this season they have a completely new team.

In the past Mount Gambier have been a well-drilled team who run the ball well and Stawell have struggle to contain them.

Stawell coach Jarred Ohayon said the unknown was a good thing.

“Mount Gambier have a new team this year,” Ohayon said.

“I don't really know any of the guys, but I have noticed that they have a main scorer, Kane De Wit will probably be the main focus for us on defense. It is nice to be able to go out there with no expectations and just play the game how it is.” 

De Wit has played five games for the Lakers and is averaging 27 points per game.

Wildcats scoring will take a hit with Jason Cameron unavailable to play.

Michael Hackwill will also miss both games.

In their absence Luke Smith will step up for his first senior Wildcats game.

“Smitty (Luke Smith) will get a chance to play his first game this weekend,” Ohayon said.

“He has showed quite a bit at training since returning from an injured ankle and it is nice to be able to reward him.”

Paul Summers has been the go to scoring option for the Wildcats, but Ohayon said everyone needed to step and be more consistent.

“I think everyone needs to step up and start playing team basketball,” Ohayon said.

“We're not going to get it done if one or two players have a good game every week. Everybody needs to be on the same page.”

The Mount Gambier game will be the start of a tough double header for the Wildcats who meet the Colac Kookas on Sunday.

Ohayon was not worried about his players fitness despite having not played a double header so far this season.

“It will be a good test on the bodies of the boys,” he said.

“They will both be tough, physical matches, but hopefully the Stawell guys are up to the challenge.”

The game kicks off from 8pm Saturday night and 2pm Sunday at the Stawell Leisure Centre. The women will be on court before then men at 6pm and noon.