NIKE EYBL DALLAS DAY 2: TOUGH LOSSES DOWN TO THE WIRE
FOLLOW TARIQ SBIET ON TWITTER @TSBIET & NPH @NORTHPOLEHOOPS
DALLAS, TEXAS–After the warm up that was last night, every aspect of the event picked up in day two of the Nike EYBL Dallas session.
The morning opened up with Quebec Native Jonathan Tshibuy showcasing his skills with his #4-ranked Team Takeover DC team in the EYBL. Tshibuy had a very efficient game providing production in every aspect of the game from scoring to defence.
What’s most impressive about this prospect is the fact that he remains to be extremely effective among a roster loaded with NCAA high-major players. There is not one player on Team Takeover DC that wouldn’t be considered a D1 calibre talent.
Tshibuy speaks on how the immense talent on his team translates to benefit the big picture.
“I mean it’s good for everybody, we practice and go at each other in the mornings and then we go out here and play so it helps me in many ways.”
After leading for the majority of the game, the Tennessee Travellers fought back to be within five points. However, it was too little, too late as the star-studded Takeover team “took over.”
The Canadian contingent started the day 2-0 with Takeover and Olivier Hanlan’s Albany City also pickinh up the W.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
As day two progressed, it also turned sour for the Canadians. Junior Lomomba’s squad, “The Family” led throughout the entire game until coughing up a four point lead with 40 seconds left to the Charlotte Royals. The Royals took the game to overtime.
Quebec’s Lomomba was left inactive as he had fouled out late in regulation.
“We’re going to go back to the hotel and talk about it, then come back strong in the game tonight,” he said.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
While Lomomba was on the court, so was the pack of Canadians otherwise known as the #15-Ranked CIA BOUNCE. NOTE: Star forward Anthony Bennett was inactive with a sore knee, while standout sophomore (2014) Xavier Rathan-Mayes had just arrived to America from his travels.
Bounce struggled to build any level of continuity and traded leads in the fourth with All-Iowa Attack. It all came down to a last second shot by 2014 Xavier Rathan-Mayes which bounced, left rim.
This loss takes CIA BOUNCE to 1-1 for the Dallas session and could heavily effect their #15-EYBL ranking as their opponent was unranked.
“We didn’t take care of the ball late and I put that mainly on my shoulders,” confessed Rathan-Mayes.
“The important thing is to be confident, I’m going to take that shot regardless and be confident in what I do.”
Ultimately, this self-assurance that “X” owns will only take him to the next level.
2014’s Kevin Zabo and Andrew Wiggins also played extensive minutes against older competition. Zabo admits that he will need to increase his level of play along with confidence in order to match the competition’s intensity.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Southern Kings: will have an update soon, Matthew Atewe and Brandon Bilbija have played limited minutes.
These results leave Canadian team records at 2-2 for today. A key game that will see Junior Lomomba and Olivier Hanlan go head-to-head will also tip being played live from Dallas, Texas
Follow Tariq Sbiet on Twitter @Tsbiet for up to the minute play-by-play!
