Rhys Carter takes it to the rack
The Crazy John’s South Dragons won their second consecutive pre-season game, 107-89 over the Perth Wildcats at Kilsyth. Seven Dragons players scored in double figures, with Nick Horvath and Nathan Herbert leading the way with 16 points each.
Mika Vukona, Rhys Carter and Cortez Groves each scored 15 points, with Adam Gibson and Matt Burston chipping in with 10 apiece.
For the second consecutive game the Dragons racked up three “double doubles,” thanks to Vukona (15 and 11 rebounds), Horvath (16 and 10) and Burston (10 and 10). The Dragons outrebounded the Wildcats 59-36, with Vukona the game’s top board man.
The New Zealand international was impressive in his debut, showing off his rebounding, defense and overall hustle play which will no doubt please Dragon fans this season. “It was awesome,” said Vukona of his first game. “I just felt good the whole game and it was nice to finally get onto the court and get to know the guys a little bit.”
It was a physical encounter, with the Dragons holding a 23-21 edge at the end of the first quarter. The lead expanded to 53-42 at the half and blew out to 85-63 at the end of the third.
While the big men dominated inside again, the guard play was exceptional. Gibson had another impressive game at the point, directing traffic, handing out 8 assists and pulling down 9 boards.
“It’s always good to get another win to keep the pre-season rolling along,” Gibson commented. “It was very aggressive out there. Pretty much every cut was a check or a bump. I think some of the boys are sore now, but we’ll be good for game two on Tuesday.”
Head coach Guy Molloy, deputising for Boomers boss Brian Goorjian, singled out Herbert, who hit four three-point shots, and Carter for praise. Molloy said, “I thought our young guards – Rhys and Nathan – who’ve done an amazing amount of work since May, really stepped it up offensively and did great for us.”
Carter was on fire in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his 15 in that term to help put the game away.
“It just happened that a few opportunities came my way,” said Carter. “I had a couple of simple finishes because the guys made it easy and just put it in my lap. It was great to get another win with everyone playing a part.”
It was also an important day for Development player James Orr, who scored his first NBL points on a three-pointer from the left corner late in the fourth quarter.
Peter Crawford had 21 for Perth, while Alex Loughton contributed 20.
The two teams play again Tuesday night at Knox and Wednesday night at Broadmeadows.