Flyers grounded by USA Select all star team

Bristol Academy Flyers 85 -Team USA Select 109

Thursday 13 September was an historic day for Basketball in Bristol. For the first time ever the city boasts a professional basketball team, The Bristol Academy Flyers.

The Flyers took to the court in this there first game of the new 2007/08 season in front of a packed Filton College WISE arena with over 500 spectators in the purpose built College Campus. With pre match entertainment provided by Filton Colleges SWADA dancers and a light and music show entrance of the team, the night was set for an entertaining and enthralling battle.

Prior to the game there was a one minute silence in memory of Matthew Bromley a Flyer who was killed in a car accident two years ago. Matt’s family were special guests at the game and were presented with a gift from Flyers Captain Gareth Till, with Till himself having returned this season after a battle with Cancer.

The first quarter started with flurry of points as the two teams went toe to toe in an exciting encounter, Dunks from Flyers US import Ryan Williams and Filton College star Greg`Streete were matched at the other end of the floor by the 7′ 1″ Adam Simons and 6″ 6″ Chucky Frierson who showed great ability leading the USA Select team.

Great contributions were made from the whole Flyers team as they held there own with a very strong US team. Another young Filton College Student Tyrone Treasure made a huge impact on the game with tenacious defence and great athletic ability at the offensive end. The first quarter saw the US team take a slender lead into the interval 26 points to 22.

The second quarter started well for the Flyers with more fantastic play from the man they call Smokey, Ryan Williams. The US import from Oklahoma was showing why his signing has made Bristol a force to be reckoned with in the league this year. The two teams entertained the crowd with tough defence and great fast break basketball. Streete and Treasure in particular caught the crowd’s eye with fantastic skill and composure from such young guys.

Treasure however after an attempted Dunk on a USA player was hit hard in mid air causing him to fall heavily and knock himself unconscious. Streete made the two free throws but sadly Treasure would play no further part in the game and in fact was taken to hospital with concussion for observations.

The half finished with a flurry of points from both teams with Big Tom Hutchinson for the Flyers and The USA’s Adam Simons battling on every possession. Half time saw the teams go into the locker room with the USA select leading 56 points to 50.

The second half saw the Flyers fighting to keep pace with the US team and this was becoming more and more difficult as the team of young talented US players began to hit big shots. Flyers again inspired by Streete and Williams never gave in and made in roads to the Select teams lead.

Polish Star Arich Mokawski made a great first impression on the Bristol crowd and with Till back to top form the team looked to be in great shape.

In the fourth quarter the USA select team demonstrated why these young players will pick up Professional contracts in Europe. A clinical display in finishing baskets gave the Flyers little hope of getting back into the game. Flyers however played some fantastic basketball a blocked shot by Aaron Simpson lead to a great score on the fast break with 5 clinical passes leading to a Matt Anaults lay up.

The game finished with the USA select winning by 24 points but Flyers were certainly looking as if they have some much more to give during this season.

Flyers showed glimpses of what they are capable of and with this there first season in the top flight they have a lot to be proud of and have a great opportunity to do well on the National Stage.

“This has been a great experience for my players, the crowd was fantastic tonight, the Arena is superb and the hospitality has been second to none. The game was a great spectacle with some fantastic basketball I believe this Bristol team will do well this year they have some great players” Sean Kilmartin, Head Coach and Director of USA Select.

“ I think tonight has been a resounding success with a great turn out and some fantastic basketball, we have brought together a great team this year and hopefully all going well we will do well in the league. With support like this it would be hard not to. I am proud of the team today and would like to thank the 500 plus people who turned up to support us. I hope to see them all again during this exciting season” Danny James, Flyers, Director of Basketball.

Game Stats:
Flyers top scores: Ryan Williams 31 points, Greg Streete 22 points.