Giants split road trip to open season
THE Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants celebrated guard Ryan Hulme’s 350th game in style with a 90-81 win against the Rockingham Flames in Saturday’s State Basketball League season-opener.
In Dan Fisher’s first game as head coach, the Giants were well led by centre Dwayne Radcliffe (25 points), Hulme and new import Ty Harrelson (both 17 points).
But the Giants came crashing back down to earth yesterday with a 96-71 loss to the Stirling Senators to round out their road double-header.
Harrelson again impressed with 23 points and nine rebounds, followed by Radcliffe (14) and forward Russell Hurst (12 points).
Former Olympic javelin thrower Oliver Dziubak, in just his second game for the Giants, impressed with six points and 10 rebounds.
The Giants were without the services of forward Lordan Franich, who was unavailable, plus swingman Matt Leske was unable to take his place in the line-up after falling ill during the bus ride to Perth on Saturday morning.
Leske was hospitalised briefly and sent home early yesterday.
His loss compounded the fact the Giants were already missing American power forward Darnell Dialls to an ankle injury.
“We’ve played two teams that were full-strength with both of their imports on the court, so we’re pretty pleased all things considering, ” team manager Brad French said.
“Even in the loss to Stirling we were 41-all at one stage but we just ran out of legs.
“The score is no reflection on the weekend and we’re pretty happy to come away with one win.”
The Giants play their first home game of the season next Saturday against the Cockburn Cougars.
Meanwhile, former Giants captain Shamus Ballantyne made a stunning return to the SBL for the Willetton Tigers on Saturday night.
Ballantyne, a six-time SBL All-Star, retired after the 2009 season after being diagnosed with a form of lymphoma.
But Ballantyne returned to play 26 minutes in Willetton’s 118-91 win over Stirling. The point guard collected 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals.
It was Ballantyne’s 266th SBL game, which includes 153 for the Giants between 2004 and 2009.
Article by Jarrod Lucas (Kalgoorlie Miner)
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.