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Deba towers over opposition

Emma Greenwood

Monday, January 25, 2010

© The Cairns Post

 

ROWAN Gray is a towering 204cm - that's six-foot-eight in the old language.

But the Taipans squad member was no barrier for Deba George, who sealed a second consecutive All Star dunk title when he soared over his teammate’s head to slam the ball down and register a perfect score from tournament judges.

George had competition from youngsters Michael Chitham (Redlynch) and Matt Metcalf (Bulldogs) in the preliminary rounds of Friday’s competition.

But once the finals came, George showed his hops, registering perfect scores for both dunks to take his second straight crown.

"It wasn’t as tight as it was last year, he kind of put it away early on," Super League commissioner Joel Khalu said. "But what he does dazzles."

Redlynch player Bryce Whitaker won the three-point shootout.

The contests were part of the action at Friday’s second FNQ Super League All Star weekend, with the competition’s best lining up against one another in City and Country teams.

Country gained revenge for its loss in last year’s inaugural showdown, beating City 116-98.

Country gained the upper hand early with a 29-25 opening term but sweet shooting from young gun Michael Demertze and George, who reverted to his customary on-floor role at guard, gave City a
54-53 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Country guards Reece Craigie and Matthew Adekponya tore the game open and while City’s CJ Ahwang and Travis Thorne tried to keep pace, Country rounded the game out with a 36-point fourth quarter to secure the win.

Adekponya was named player of the match with his team-high 23 points and was well supported by Craigie (22) and Michael Chitham (20) while George finished with a match-high 25 points.

FNQ Super League All Star weekend – COUNTRY ALL-STARS 116 (Matthew Adekponya 23, Reece Craigie 22, Michael Chitham 20) d CITY ALL-STARS 98 (Deba George 25, CJ Ahwang 14, Michael Demertze 11). MVP: Matthew Adekponya. CAIRNS UNITED 118 (Jeromie Hill 32, Joel Khalu 20, Jacob Pilot 16) d PAPUAN BLACKS 88 (Wally Parapa 27, Sibona Kala 18, Eke Kendi 16).

Dunk competition winner: Deba George; three-point shootout: Bryce Whitaker.

 


High life: Deba George launches himself in Friday night's slam dunk competition. Picture: SEAN DAVEY

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