Friday 18th September 2009
Reading Rockets 83 Team USA Select 90
Rockets' first pre season game against the American touring side, Team USA Select, was an encouraging one for Acting Head Coach Matt Johnson. His squad of five 17 year olds, four young men between 18 and 21, two debutants and just one of his two American players gave a very good account of themselves.
6'8'' forward Jason Sayers scored Rockets' first points of the 09/10 season converting two free throws before newly appointed captain Ryan Lohfink, returning for his second season and doing a Masters at the University of Reading, finished well inside. The more experienced touring side soon levelled but 17 year old Louis Sayers hit a glorious three to nudge Rockets ahead. However a couple of steals and fast breaks saw Team USA maintain a slender advantage. With Dan McKay hitting a sweet three, Lohfink scoring a lay-up off an incisive bounce pass by McKay, the Rockets' supporters showed their appreciation, as the game became increasingly competitive. Though Simon Kearney and young Lithuanian guard Lukas Aleksandravicius hit four out of four from the penalty line a Team USA three saw Rockets take the first break 8 points adrift at 26 – 34.
New boy Robbie Parker hit a superb turn and jump shot near the end line to add to ex Guildford Heat guard Jon May's clinical finish off an excellent assist from Jason Sayers which saw Rockets close the gap. A Louis Sayers drive and finger roll brought great applause whilst an arrow pass from Aleksandravicius gave space for McKay to hit his second three of the game and cut the deficit to a single point at 37 – 38. The well drilled Team USA kept the scoreboard rolling but a Parker three from the top of the key, an Aleksandravicius three off a great pass from McKay and an Aleksandravicius finish off a fast break kept the pressure up as the interval neared, with the deficit halved at 45 - 49.
The young supporters enjoyed a shoot out competition during the half time interval with many having benefited from attending the pre game clinic run by the players and coaching staff of Team USA Select.
The third quarter continued much like the second with Rockets matching the Americans point for point, taking the lead occasionally with the youngest members of the team not overawed in any way. Another three from the top of the key by Parker following good movement and passing, was followed by a long three point effort by McKay that seemed to go in and spin out. Nonetheless two great steals by Thoseby and McKay gave Aleksandravicius and Louis Sayers easy lay ups as Rockets were within 1 point of Team USA with 10 seconds on the clock, bringing the third quarter to an end.
With May scoring whilst being fouled and Lohfink doing likewise moments later, the game was level at 76 points each with 4 minutes to go. Kearney scored from the foul line before another excellent assist by Thoseby to captain Lohfink ensured a tight end game scenario. Lohfink and Louis Sayers both converted from the foul line in the last minute, but Team USA's experience just took the game 90 points to 83.
Acting Head Coach Matt Johnson and Rockets' new assistant coach JP Campbell will be seeking further improvement and development as Rockets take on BBL opposition (away) in the form of Worcester (Sunday) and Plymouth (Wednesday) as they await the arrival of playmaker Terell Smith and new Head Coach Sasa Punosevac.
Top scorers for Rockets were Robbie Parker 18 and Ryan Lohfink 15 with Lukas Aleksandravicius, Jon May and Louis Sayers all on 9.
