The Hawkesbury Jets saw a large crowd descend on their home court, the Hangar, to watch the State League men tip off their season defeating the Port Macquarie Dolphins by 68-64.
With several new players and Grant Stevens stepping up from Assistant to Head Coach led to a nervous first quarter.
But the Jets jumped out to a 15 point lead in the third session, before a the Dolphins resurgence made the final few minutes a nail-biter.
Last minute plays of brilliance from point guard Robbie Powell along with newly minted Jet and man of the match Emmanuel Giddo, who led the scoring with 15, pushed for the win.
Captain Trent Anderson returned after a year off and proved his worth, while the athletic antics of Hilary Zakria had the crowd gasping.
Coach Stevens was happy with the result but know next weeks assignment against the Newcastle Hunters will be much tougher.
The Youth League boys, depleted due to injuries and unavailabilities went close to rolling Sydney Comets away at Alexandria, coming back from a 20 point half time deficit to lose 56-59.
Returning Jets Cameron McMillan and Michael Wilkins were the standouts with help from James Eggins and Lloyd Green.
Coach Russell Mason was relatively pleased with the effort and is looking forward to playing their first home game in front of a big crowd.
Next week the Hawkesbury Youth League boys have their first home game at 5pm against Newcastle followed by State League at 7pm.
Finn Coleman
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
