Sport
4 May, 2021
Andy-one
LOCAL basketball legend Andy Harris suited up for the Red Devils in the top of the table clash with a previously undefeated Stingrays outfit, in round four of the Mareeba Men’s Basketball tournament. But he did not play a single minute.
LOCAL basketball legend Andy Harris suited up for the Red Devils in the top of the table clash with a previously undefeated Stingrays outfit, in round four of the Mareeba Men’s Basketball tournament. But he did not play a single minute.
With his two daughters gracing the corporate box, the proud father refused to answer questions when asked about his long-awaited return to the hard deck.
Spokesman and Captain of the Devils, Craig Farley, commented post game, “We are keeping the big man on ice until the business end of the season.”
Farley himself had a solid game scoring 21 points and Zayd Myrteza turned in another consistent shooting night with seven triples and 23 on the night.
It will be difficult to confine Myrteza to the local Mareeba competition when his contract expires, but public comparisons to Brice Cotton are for the moment, premature.
Cousin, Zac Myrteza showed flashes of brilliance, but cramps had the working lad down from the clouds where he once soared. Nevertheless, in any game of hoops, points are rarely the whole story.
Twenty-two-year-old, Ricaydan Wason chipped in for a respectable 10 points, and owned the mid-court with his tireless defensive effort.
He firmly held the reins to the Stingrays fast break, and they rarely quenched from their customary fast-break trough. Wason was player of the round. Still, the Stingrays were a worthy opposition, in this high quality game. They executed well in the half court.
The evenness of the Ray’s playing group would have pleased captain-coach, Thomson, who was supported by senior players in J.Gully and Point Guard Ted Bear.
The standout Stingray, offensively at least, was youngster Stanley Bustard, with 25 points including five triples. Bustard has mustard, but his defence still lacks the hot sauce.
Final hooter: Red Devils 86 to Stingrays 75. In the late game, Council 89 feasted on Ballers 52.
Youngster Kieran Turner drove at will and bagged 40 on the night. His constant cries for ‘And one!’ were later deemed a tribute to Harris, who had already turned in for the evening.
Young Collis played a balanced game and Anthony Archie was assertive for much of the game.
For the shambolic Ballers, Newcomer Chris Moloney grabbed 21 and took some of the rebounding pressure off the shoulders of reliable big man, Dean Gallo.
Defensively, Youngster Peter Lipede continues to show grit. Like the old saying goes, you find out what you are made of, when the chips are down.
