Nova Scotia Basketball Community Embraces NPA, Shyheim Malcolm Puts League on Notice
The National Prep Association (NPA) tipped off in Nova Scotia on Saturday evening as the home town Halifax Prep hosted Rothesay Netherwood of New Brunswick. With an enthusiastic crowd of an estimated 300 plus, the teams provided a great night of basketball.
In a typical opening season game, the teams spent the first quarter figuring some things out with a slow foul filled Q, but as the game progressed the flow progressed and the skill showed through. Leading this was guard Shyheim Malcolm.
Shyheim Malcolm made STATEMENT-opens #NPA season 39pts,6asts,5rbs in RNS 100-74 W vs HaliPrep @malcolm_shyheim #GameSpeaks #ANationInspired pic.twitter.com/nTVgnSlroA
— NPA (@NPACanada) October 29, 2017
Malcolm was a huge problem as a slasher and on the boards using his quick leaping ability and body control to carve up the D for 39pts. Shyheim stated it after the game “I’m here to make a name for myself” and he accomplished that with great efficiency.
Hometown star Kellen Tynes also was a major contributor for Rothesay as he showed crafty passing skills to get teammates easy buckets, and registered 28 pts, 7 rbs, 5 asts. Kellen dropped two deep three’s in the third quarter that allowed Rothesay to push the lead to 30 and allowed his team to cruise to a 100-74 W.
Brandon Muntu was the centerpiece for Halifax Prep as he led the team with 27 pts, 8rbs, 6asts. Muntu displayed good skill in attacking the basket off the bounce and kept the D on their heels for most of the night.
Calgary import Brandon Muntu lead @halifaxprep 27pts,8rbs,6asts in #NPA season debut! Prospect watch. #GameSpeaks #ANationInspired @_BM7_ pic.twitter.com/gTJfBVWK0h
— NPA (@NPACanada) October 29, 2017
On Sunday these teams hit the hardwood again in exhibition play, and Rothesay Netherwood pulled out a 115-85 win.
“The crowd was good, the reception of the game was pretty well taken” as the basketball community in Halifax represented well and the chatter throughout the stands was how good this is for East coast basketball.
This is an opportunity that is greatly needed so that our top tier players can stay closer to home and pursue their basketball and academic goals.
The National Prep Association is truly A Nation Inspired.
Game two of the NPA brings the focus back to Ontario, as Kitchener-Waterloo region representative visits London Basketball Academy to open Southwest Division play. Visit NPACanada.com for full league schedule.