Mâcon,France – january 2,2026 – Despite recent setbacks,Prissé/Mâcon basketball is enjoying its best start to a season since 2023,currently holding an 8-4 record in league play. This positive outcome comes even with elimination from the Coupe de France in Lons-le-Saunier and two December defeats.
A Season defined by Resilience
The ESPM team is exceeding expectations, fueled by a strong team dynamic and strategic recruitment.
- Prissé/Mâcon boasts an 8-4 league record, their best start since 2023.
- Key victories came in Montpellier, Feurs, and Saint-Vallier, all on the road against challenging opponents.
- The team’s success is attributed to a cohesive group and a recruitment strategy focused on familiar players.
- January 2026 presents a arduous schedule that will test the team’s mettle.
“Its a more than positive sporting outcome.We are at 8 wins for 4 defeats (in the league). This is our best start since I took office (in 2023). If at the start of the season, we had been offered to be where we are today, we would have signed straight away,” declares Clément Sangouard.
The team’s only home loss came against Ouest Lyonnais (76-78). or else, the team has excelled, notably in away games.
Turning Points and Key Victories
“We have two defeats at home. the one against the OLB is annoying because it’s against a poorly ranked player. Or else, we lost (67-68) against Marseille (2e ) and at 3e at Le Cannet (81-66) which is ahead of us in the ranking. We lost (77-58) in Challes (6e ) on December 17, a team that was announced on the podium at the start of the season. Only OLB is doing the job. But there were victories that were more vital than this defeat. Those in Montpellier, Feurs and Saint-Vallier where we were led by 18, 15 and 10 points in the 4e quarter time. That’s three away victories where we weren’t favorites. They launched our season,” Sangouard explained.
What’s the secret to Prissé/Mâcon’s success this season? According to Sangouard, it’s the team’s chemistry and a deliberate recruitment strategy. “The group has a certain Prissé culture. We only recruited former players who had already played with us or acquaintances of players already at the club. So we started without looking at each other. Everyone has the same objective, which is to have a good season. We don’t have mercenaries who are there for their apple,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sangouard acknowledges that January 2026 will be a crucial month. “In 2026,the championship will restart in the toughest way. we will play at the ogre of the pool, La Pontoise, then at Golfe-Juan, a professional team, before hosting Le Cannet. Either we negotiate well in january and we can dream of a podium. Either we get through it a little and we will fight for the best possible place. But I think we can aim for a top 5.”
