Nacel All-Stars 2002 Tour To Australia

NACEL ALL STARS 2002 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Game 1 – Sunday 28 July 2002

Nacel All Stars vs Canberra Cannons

Venue: Moss Vale Basketball Stadium

Attendance: 236

A receptive crowd greeted the opening of the American tour at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium. After the national anthems of both countries, the game started at a great pace without either team gaining an advantage.

The Cannons were in the early stages of their pre-season and utilised the services of five Australian Institute of Sport players. Each of these players showed that they are comfortable at this level with Daniel Kickett proving his talent with 11 opening quarter points. At quarter time the Cannons lead was four.

The second quarter continued at a good pace with both teams pressing with their defense and running the lanes strongly. Kickett again dominated with drives to the hoop or jumpers from range. Nacel started to find some range after struggling with touch early. Two late three pointers cut the Cannons lead to four at the half.  

The early stages of the third quarter belonged to Nacel, with Andre Owens and Eddie Robinson marshalling the troops for the Americans. Cameron Rigby showed his experience throughout the match to keep the Cannons in touch with strong play. At three quarter time Nacel had taken the lead 73 – 67.

The final quarter was tight and tense. Both teams held the lead at various stages and looked like they might win the game. Rigby and Mann scored 20 between them for the quarter for the Cannons, but the shooting from Nacel was keeping them in touch. Drake Deiner knocked some nice 2^nd half threes down and Josh Almanson made some clutch baskets to get the Americans over the line by two points.

Final Score – Nacel All Stars 104 d Canberra Cannons 102.

Scorers – Nacel All Stars:

Jon Paul Kobryn 18, Josh Almanson 18, Damany Hendrix 15, Andre Owens 13, Drake Deiner 13, Erik Crawford 7, Scott Merritt 5, Johnnie Gilbert 5, Matt Nelson 5, Eddie Robinson 4, Brent Sniezyk 1.

Scorers – Canberra Cannons:

Daniel Kickett 28, Cameron Rigby 27, Brendan Mann 17, Nick Campbell 9, Danny Mills 7, Mick Hill 6, Dave Florence 2, Michael McGee 2, Jon Holden 2.