Basketball: Kilmarnock lose 61-63 to Glasgow Rocks

Nov 27 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

KILLIE started well with new centre Chris Milligan dominating the play close to the basket, scoring four of the first six baskets all on offensive rebounds.

This is normally a weak area for Killie. Ross Black and John Wylie stepped up to keep the home side in front, but the writing was on the wall as poor defensive play allowed the Rocks to hit some big outside shots.

Defensive woes continued for the Killie outfit who were also losing key rebounds close to the basket. They eventually relinquished their big early lead and were only just ahead 38-34 at the half.

By the last quarter, Rocks had taken the lead 49-48. From here they never looked back and although the difference was a single basket, the score line flattered the home side who just ran out of shooting options and were not making the smart decisions, either on offence or defence, for most of the game.

Killie top scorers: R Black 19, C Milligan 12, D Auld 11, J Wylie 8.

James Hamilton Academy 48Auchenharvie Academy 25

Schools Basketball, Ayrshire league, S1 Boys

JAMES Hamilton got off to an impressive start with big centre Steven Inglis scoring early close to the basket.

It was guard David Tattersfield who contributed on the break with a couple of convincing lay ups.

Leading 15-4 at the quarter Thomas Kelly and Steven Inglis continued to dominate giving the home team a 33-8 half-time lead.

It was time for James Hamilton bench players to step up. With Stuart Cowan controlling the play and playing the provider role, Connor Miller, Blair McLaughland and Stuart himself all got involved in the scoring habit.

James Hamilton, although limited to nine points in the last quarter, had done enough to secure another win and stay on top of the league.

James Hamilton top scorers: Thomas Kelly 12, Steven Inglis 11, David Tattersfield 10, Stuart Cowan 4.