USA Select player Khapri impressive in Storm debut
January 30, 2017
PRESS RELEASE
Hemel Storm 87 – Team Solent Kestrels 94
Hemel Storm were unable to build on last week’s win as Solent Kestrels recovered from a 13 point deficit to claim their second victory over Storm this season.
It was an electric atmosphere at Sportspace on Saturday evening as American import, USA Select Basketball product Khapri Alston, made his debut for the Vanarama-sponsored Storm. Big things were expected from the 6’5″ forward from Chicago and the home fans were not disappointed.
But it was Hemel’s home grown talent that sparked an early lead. Nick Allin replaced Nik Rhodes in the opening line-up due to Rhodes’ absence on compassionate grounds and the Hemel youngster orchestrated several fast breaks finished by Michael Darlow and Leon Henry.
Six minutes into the game Alston entered the fray for the first time and it wasn’t long before he used his significant frame to move several defenders out of the way and converted his first layup.
Solent’s response came from their own American import, Marquis Mathis, who ended the quarter with eight points and kept his team within one point at 18-17.
Storm seized the initiative in the second quarter with Leon Henry scoring 14 of his 18 points and a stubborn defence forced Solent into eight turnovers. The lead reached 13 points but a couple of three pointers from Kestrels’ guard Caylin Raftopoulos helped reduce the deficit to 8 points at half time.
In the second half Khapri Alston showcased the talent and sheer strength that had earned him an impressive list of accolades in his college career at Midwestern State University. The USA Select program has produced many all star players over the years, Alston may be another in that long line of players. At times Alston drew the attention of four Solent defenders but was still able to score with finesse. But the scoring from the rest of the team was sporadic and Kestrels eased their way back into the game.
Three more quick 3 pointers from Raftopoulos gave Solent the lead. A brief cameo from returning fans’ favourite Simon ‘Spud’ Kearney could not stem the tide and Solent claimed a seven point win.
Coach David Allin said: “Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted but I was really impressed with Khapri’s contribution. He will just get better and better as he gets used to the English game. He gives us different options around the hoop and is a real handful for anyone to defend,”
Storm’s team and scorers: Alston 25, Henry 18, Darlow 16, Yeboah 10, Burnell 7, Adorian 5, Mumuni 4, Josey 2, Allin, Duru, Kearney, Rodwell
Storm are at Sportspace again on Saturday (4th February) when the visitors are Essex Leopards.
Tip-off 7pm. Tickets at www.stormbasketball.net
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