Basketball: Troon Tornadoes lose to Edinburgh Kings

Dec 24 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TROON Tornadoes men closed the year with an 83-46 defeat to unbeaten league leaders Edinburgh Kings.

In the past, Tornadoes v Kings games have always been very competitive and the outcome went a long way in determining the destination of the national league title.

Unfortunately, Tornadoes are in a rebuilding phase with most of the top players retired or moved from the area. Kings, however, still manage to stay at the top of basketball with their ability to sign foreign students who are attracted to Edinburgh.

Kings managed only to suit up seven players but in those they had most of their big guns. Tornadoes, who were always in for a difficult time, had only eight players but their loss of four starting five players was much more keenly felt.

Up against a bigger and more talented team, Tornadoes started well and only Ifadade Thomas showed how difficult he is to stop as he scored six first quarter points.

Only careless turnovers, sometimes as they were about to score themselves, allowed Kings to take a 20-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Tornadoes used a full court press in the second period and although Kings have a number of guards who have international experience, this seemed to rattle them.

The league leaders managed to rally but the under strength Tornadoes kept plugging away and by half-time trailed by 44-28. The third quarter proved to be a dour affair with Kings winning 12-8.

Tornadoes could be pleased with their defensive effort and the way they moved to ball to get open shots but these wouldn’t drop for the home team.

In the final period, turnovers and poor shot selection allowed Kings to run in easy lay-ups. At the offensive end, Kings applied a lot of pressure to Tornadoes forwards and the guards could not get them the ball. Only five late points from Thomas allowed Tornadoes into double figures but Kings racked up 27 points to win well.

Team: Chris Bombani (one point), Ian Holland (one point), Ifadade Thomas (16), Jonny Pettit (5), Stuart Ramsey (capt 5), Jordan McIlwraith (6), Alexi Zhyzhyn (6), Fraser Smith (6).