The JackJumpers wrapped up their preseason series against South East Melbourne Phoenix with an 84-80 win in Launceston.
Traditionally its hard to take too much out of preseason games with several players not taking the floor and the usual rotation plans going completely out the window. However, there was plenty of good signs coming from the JackJumpers after second win over the Phoenix this week. Not even a fire alarm and subsequent evacuation of the stadium at the end of the first half could dampen the energy of the sell out crowd in Launceston.
After having a quiet first half, Milton Doyle scored 14 of his game high 17 points in the second half, along with four assists and four rebounds. Josh Magette had a strong game with 13 point and 6 assists, with the majority of his points coming from the line (where he averaged 9/9). Rashard Kelly started off well, but was limited due to foul trouble, which eventually saw him foul out early in the final quarter with 13 point and 5 rebounds.
It was a tight and physical affair all night long between the two teams. Both coaches applying full court defense on a regular basis with their young playing groups eager to impress on the defensive end. However this led to a total of 61 fouls called in the match, which left both teams earning a lot of points from the foul line.
The Phoenix won the rebound count 39-30, but had 17 offensive rebounds which will be something the JackJumpers coaching staff will reflect on post game.
Opportunities for young guns to shine
With several starters injured or not suiting up, this once again gave new players like Isaac White, Sean MacDonald and Tristan Forsyth the chance to push for minutes in the regular season.
White again showed he will be a solid option off the bench for coach Scott Roth, He was a constant threat offensively with 10 points, but even when his shot wasn’t falling, he still was able to get to the line (shot 4/8 free throws). His strong defensive work on the Phoenix guards also was impressive.
Macdonald also was threatening offensively, regularly taking on defenders as he drove to the hoop. While Forsyth looked solid before coming off second best with Phoenix players in the first half, and appeared to have suffered a small head knock. But he returned to the court in the final quarter.
It also was the first opportunity for Josh Tomassi. The young “diamond in the rough” development player saw his first action for the JackJumpers. He finished with two points, an assist and a block in his short four minute appearance.
With Mitch Creek and Ryan Brokeroff sitting out it was Kyle Adnam who led the Phoenix with 15 points. Their three imports all had their moments in the game with Trey Kell had nine points and three assists, Alan Williams nine points, four rebounds and three assists, and Gary Browne seven points and four assists.
Both teams head to the Blitz
Both teams now take a break for a week before heading to Darwin for the 2022/23 NBL Blitz. The team will not be far away from meeting up again, as the Phoenix host the JackJumpers in Melbourne to open the new season on 1 October.
