James Melky magic helps Magic side to big win over Rockets in Alice Springs Basketball top grade

GOOD luck trying to stop Alice Springs Basketball ­Association Premier League star James Melky when he is on his game.Magic player-coach Lee Melky was leading the praise after his younger sibling scored a stunning 42 points (six three-pointers) in the team’s big 83-66 victory over first-placed Rockets on Monday night.

Magic’s player-coach Lee Melky is delighted with his team’s form – particularly that of his talented younger brother James – with just one round left to play in the Alice Springs Basketball Association Premier League. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

GOOD luck trying to stop Alice Springs Basketball ­Association Premier League star James Melky when he is on his game.

Magic player-coach Lee Melky was leading the praise after his younger sibling scored a stunning 42 points (six three-pointers) in the team’s big 83-66 victory over first-placed Rockets on Monday night.

“His (James’) shooting has improved, and his mid-range shot is uncontestable once he elevates with his height and wingspan,” Melky told the NT News.

“And defensively he’s pretty strong when he focuses on shutting down his opponents.”

In good news for Magic, the younger Melky is not going anywhere soon.

“We’re hoping James stays with us for a while, and the COVID-19 situation helps with that,” his older brother said.

“We love having him here and keeping him involved – he also coaches our under-16 team, and helps out with our under-20s and senior men’s teams.”

With only one regular-­season round remaining in the four-team competition, Melky is happy with the form his ­second-placed outfit is set to carry into the playoffs.

“We’re playing well with just one game to go before ­finals, and we’re still trying to get better,” Melky said.

“We had three of our players missing due to suspension (against Rockets) but our B-grade guys Charlie Lowson (nine points) and Travis Martin (eight points) stepped up.”

Magic takes on a Wallabies outfit minus its star Darian Preece (knee) on Monday night, before Rebels face Rockets.

Wallabies (Connor Gilby 14 points) defeated Rebels 68-49 last Monday night.