Dragons Carry Winning Streak into 2008
In their return performance, the Dragons continued where they left off in 2007 - winning basketball games. Their fortunes directly inverse to their NBL counterparts, the South Dragons, Deloitte has won 16 games in a row (including all 10 encounters this season), and maintain a 2 game lead on top spot on the ladder.
Playing without point guard and playmaker Hadjitello (fractured foot - out 3-4 weeks), and the Mighty Rocket Fraser (Brisvegas), the Dragons called upon the services of Benoy the Cougar Shankar, and Frank the Tank Tran. They delivered (see player summary below), leading the Dragons to a 35 - 32 victory, in what was described as a rusty, but well fought out affair!
PLAYER PERFORMANCES:
Top Cat (C)
Yet another solid performance from the team captain providing the driving force and motivation behind the team. Time outs were called to rally the defence and sharpen the attacking runs at all the right times which saw the Dragons fight back. Top Cat continued to lead the charge with strong domination in the key with numerous rebounds and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Aerosmith Arrowsmith
Despite early concerns over her ankle, Brooke showed no signs of injury and ran from end to end with absolute ease (often outrunning the boys). Strong under the key coupled with strategic runs to create space. Constantly putting the ball up and scoring.
Sustained an early injury (jarred fingers) which saw her missing numerous shots that she normally makes with ease. Turned provider instead by hovering around the outskirts of the key and providing a much needed avenue of attack. DK: “so unfit … felt like an elephant on court”.
Lived up to his name by scoring four three pointers (a number of bombs as described by DK) early on to keep the Dragons within reach of the Black Knights. Partnered the Cougar as the point guard with driving runs and strategic passes. Cleverly did a double jump shot to draw a foul and slow the game down during the dying seconds.
Big Fella Boyd
Feeling a little sore from the gym the previous night, Big Fella Boyd also lived up to his name with several steals from the girls standing in the middle of the key. Sharp perimeter shooting and commanding the defensive line.
Point guard for the evening in place of the injured Hadjitello with strategic passes and setting the tempo for the game.
The Tank Tran
Most rusty player on field. Caught the ball with his foot. Maintains the record for most baskets disallowed (late calls by the ref).
Supported the team resting his injured ankle on the table while watching AB play netball – SMS’d immediately prior and after the match to keep up to date with the promise of returning to the line up within a few weeks (hopefully).
Other events
1. The ref telling the opposition to shut up and stop screaming out random calls
2. Bad calls by the ref (all against Dragons with few against the Black Knights
3. Black Knights personnel stuffing up the scoreboard leaving the Dragons 5 points behind
4. The ref showing an interest in DK
5. Injuries to the Tank (toe) and DK (fingers)
Written by Frank Tran
