Men’s NBL1 2024 Game 1
The men are trying to follow the success of the Women last year and get their hands on a championship this season. Star signings like Blake Morrow, member of the All-Star Five in the NBL1 East show how serious this team is about competing for a ring. Going up against another up and coming team in the North Adelaide Rockets this should be an exciting matchup for round 1 of the NBL1 men’s competition.
The first quarter started with both teams matching baskets until Koop McCalop went on a 7-0 run for the Rockets sparking a fierce offensive barrage from his teammates. This offensive firepower got North a 7 point lead before Norwood was able to answer back with an eight point run late in the first quarter, regaining a 1 point lead. For the remainder of the quarter the two teams fought a very even contest ending the first down by 1, 25-26.
The second quarter was headed by a lot of drives from North, forcing the officials whistles and getting to the line. This led to them increasing their lead early in the second. This was until the Flames caught fire on the back of Jack Stanwix, demolishing the Rockets defence and executing amazingly on offence. On top of this high energy defence created easy opportunities to keep our rhythm and the momentum rolling. The Flames jumped up to a massive 14 point by the end of an amazing quarter, 55-41.
The third was much more defensively orientated, both teams put a choke hold on the opposition offences. Forcing tough looks late into shot clocks and making each other work for every single point. The Flames and Rockets traded what few scores there were, neither team holding a clear advantage through the quarter. But the Flames had a tad more firepower, barely extending their lead by quarter end, the score being 73 – 58.
The final period found North Adelaide gaining some momentum bringing the game back into single digits after a 9-2 start to the quarter. After a quick timeout Norwood regained their composure and went on a run of their own, answering any baskets North made and keeping the game in their favour. An experienced and patient offensive approach combined with some defensive stops allowed the Flames to hold onto their lead and win the game 92-78.
Article by Samuel Sterry
