New-Look Phoenix Soar Past California Baptist

New head coach Mike Kelly took the reigns for the first time, his side looking in-sync as the opening to the NBL season-proper fast approaches.

Without captain Mitch Creek, Reuben Te Rangi who is on Tall Blacks duty, recruits Craig Moller and Matt Kenyon or new import Will Cummings available, the Phoenix fielded a fresh starting five.

Owen Foxwell, Gary Browne, Alan Williams and Gorjok Gak were joined by stand-in captain Rhys Vague, who began at the three-position, shooting out of the blocks to open up a 12-point gap at the first break.

Big man Anzac Rissetto (13 points, four rebounds) stood tall in the opening quarter, using his bulky frame to impose himself and get to the line, knocking down all three attempts in his breakout game.

Returning Puerto Rican import Gary Browne (17 points, seven assists) and fresh-signings Ben Ayre (six points, three assists) and Rhys Vague (12 points, six rebounds) were dominant from outside-the-arc, shooting a combined eight three-pointers for the match.

17-year-old development player Austin Rapp (six points, three rebounds) was insatiable during his first outing with the Phoenix, with two third-quarter three-pointers opening up a 25-point buffer that would prove unassailable.

Gorjok Gak (five points, nine rebounds), playing against his college side in his first appearance with the Phoenix, said it was surreal to come up against his former teammates and head coach.

“[California Baptist University] are my guys, it was great to see them all again, it’s not every day you get to see them and play against your old side,” Gak said.

CBU guard Domique Daniels Jnr led the scoring for the visiting side with 12 points, while Hunter Goodrick reigned in 12 rebounds, leading the way for both sides.

More than 2000 fans packed the State Basketball Centre, a new record for the Phoenix in the pre-season, with opposition coach Rick Croy astounded by the turnout.

“Best environment we’ve experienced, unbelievable environment,” coach Croy said.

Full-Time Stats:

Gary Browne: 17 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds

Anzac Rissetto: 13 points, 4 rebounds

Rhys Vague: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Owen Foxwell: 8 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal

Ngor Nai: 8 points, 1 rebound

Luke Rosendale: 7 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds

Ben Ayre: 6 points, 3 assists

Austin Rapp: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Gorjok Gak: 5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists

Alan Williams: 5 points,  1 assist, 3 rebounds

Kody Stattmann: 4 rebounds, 1 assist

The Phoenix will now look ahead to a pre-season game against Adelaide 36ers in Mt Gambier on September 1.

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