Jerron helps Jets fire
Star import returns to Top End with 44 points against Eagles
NATHANIEL CHAMBERS
STAR import Jerron Jamerson made an instant impact, notching 44 points for his new side Tracy Village Jets in their 89-85 win over Eagles.
The win sees Jets remain atop the 2020 Men’s Darwin Basketball Championship after four rounds of play, and only increases the side’s credentials for a deep run this year.
The hard-fought game was always tight, but the Jets led at each beak with the impressive work of Jamerson and Liam McLachlan (13 points).
However, Eagles surged late, with their scorers Chris Elder (32 points), Pat Golong (20 points) and Joseph Jackson (19 points) working the scoreboard on the opposite end.
In response, Tracy Village called upon its defensive intensity with Ned Stevens (10 points, nine steals) and Thomas Malseed (seven points, three steals) showing their abilities on the other end of the floor. Jamerson was happy to make his return to the game in the Top End with a win, after moving to Queensland but not being able to play in the NBL1 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
But the versatile American promised there would be plenty more to come from him and his side. “It was great to get out there with the boys and get the result after so long off the court,” he said.
“It was a close game, but I think it was just our defensive intensity that got us over the line. We led early on, but they started to come back into the game later on which forced us into defence.
“Getting the score (44 points) was good, but I still have to get in better shape as it could have been even more, but that’s something that will come with more game time.
“We will look to work on our half-court execution and learn to jell even more as a team.”
In other Men’s League action on Friday night, Uni pulled off a tight 68-66 win over last season’s table-toppers, Ellas Titans.
On the women’s side of the draw, reigning champion Lightning defeated Ansett 82-44, while title contenders Jets maintained their perfect run with an 82-57 win over Uni Rebels. Essington beat Razzle 71-44 on Thursday night.