Mackay Meteors start NBL1 season with statement victory over Rockhampton Rockets
The Mackay Meteors kicked off the 2023 NBL1 season with an electrifying victory, led by the impressive play of Tasmanian Jack Jumper Isaac White. READ MORE
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The Mackay Meteors have kicked off their 2023 NBL1 season in style, with an electrifying performance in their opening match against the Rockhampton Rockets.
Under the leadership of head coach Joel Khalu, who is entering his third season as coach, the Meteors looked like a well-oiled machine on the court, working together seamlessly to secure their victory.
While the entire team put in a solid effort, it was Tasmanian Jack Jumper Isaac White who truly stole the show with his impressive display of athleticism, speed and skill.
White, who plays primarily at the shooting guard position in the NBL, admitted this league helps the growth of his game although he labelled his dominant display as “patchy”.
“When I say patchy, I mean sometimes I let the pace of the game control me rather than control it,” White said.
“Just some things to work on in that regard but I’m overall happy with it.”
White’s shooting was on point and his playmaking was nothing short of masterful.
He dominated the court with his on-body defence and shot creation, leaving the Rockets scrambling to keep up.
At halftime, White only had two assists, but he quickly adjusted his focus in the second half, racking up an impressive four more assists in just three minutes of play.
His dominance was truly on display in the third quarter, where he put up an incredible 17 points and a rebound.
“I made a conscious effort to change some things coming out of the half,” White said.
“When it’s flowing for me it’s about cashing in and if it’s 17 it’s 17, 10 or 10 it doesn't matter just cash in when I can.”
White‘s final stats for the game were nothing short of remarkable.
He scored an impressive 40 points, snagged seven rebounds and dished out nine assists, coming just one assist short of a triple-double.
He also contributed two steals on an impressive 56 per cent shooting.
Of course, White‘s performance was just one piece of the puzzle.
The Meteors worked together as a team, with key contributions from the starting five, including Isaiah Lee with 11 points and six assists at the guard position, DJ Jean-Baptise at centre with 16 points and three blocks and local Kyde Medhurst with nine points off the bench.
With head coach Joel Khalu at the helm for his third season, the team seems to be firing on all cylinders.
“We are happy to get the win particularly against Rockhampton,” said Khalu.
“We are a group that has different threats and different ways on the floor … we are not getting ahead of ourselves it is just one game”
Together, they secured an impressive 16-point victory over a strong and experienced Rockets team.
This strong performance by the Meteors bodes well for their future success in the NBL1 season.
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