Lightning one family in win

LIGHTNING player- coach Chris Charman praised his team’s close-knit family culture after its nailbiting 74-70 win over Palmerston in Darwin Basketball League Season 1 action on Friday night.

Footballers Keegan Dingo (Southern Districts – 14 points) and Shane Thorne (Wanderers – 13 points) stood out for the winning outfit. Teammates Jesse Bell (20 points), Brodie Hertel (14) and Cameron Bailey (10) also impressed.

“The boys fought it out and got a good win, especially after the passing of a club family member this week – the uncle of Keegan and Shane,” Charman said.

“It hit the club pretty hard and we all wore black armbands.

“There was a lot of feeling in this game and the boys were nervous as a result, but they ended up doing the club proud.

“Cameron Bailey is not the tallest player in the competition, but he was on big Willie Shackleford (29 points for Palmerston) for most of the night and did a great job.”

Charman said getting Dingo and Thorne back to the club’s top-grade side this season was a huge boost for Lightning.

“It’s been great and they’ve been sensational for us this season,” Charman said.

“I’ve been trying to get both of those guys back for the past couple of years, but they’ve had footy commitments.

“They both love their basketball.”

Lightning might only have a 2-3 record so far this season, but it has shown a marked improvement on its 5-15 Championship campaign last year.

“We don’t have any bigname import players and that’s kind of the way we like it – it’s who we are,” Charman said.

“We haven’t had our full team on the court yet but when we do, we feel confident we can make the finals.”

Also on Friday night, Ansett beat Tracy Village 70-65.

Joe Stewart and Brad Davis (16 points each) and Austin Hill (15) stood out for the winning team.

In women’s League Season 1 action also on Friday night, the Power reversed its men’s defeat, winning 68-56 against Lightning.

Christine West (20 points) and Mikaella Desamito (15) stood out for Palmerston.