DAYTON, OHIO – On Saturday, February 2, 2013, Dayton’s new Professional Minor League Basketball Team, The Gem City Slam, commenced their inaugural season against the formidable Kentucky Kings at the Burkhardt Center in Dayton, Ohio. As expected, when a new team steps on the court, they must find a rhythm in order to perform as a well oiled machine; yet early on, the Slam communicated well on the floor. The Slam set the tone of the game by making the first basket just seconds into play, and by the fourth quarter, they were on their way to their first win.
The Slam began their season victorious with four players scoring in double digits. A.D. Graves led the team with the high score of 24 points, 2 Assists, 2 Rebounds; C.J. Anderson shined with 21 points, 10 Rebounds, 1 Assist, 1 Steal; Cody Ballard produced well with 13 points, 1 Assist, 1 Steal, 4 Rebounds; and Norman Plummer chasing a triple double with 11 points, 10 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 1 Steal. Aaron Robinson, the chief thief, also contributed with 8 points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Steals, and 2 Assists. “This game was a good test for how good of a team we can have this season,” says Coach Travis McAvene. “We beat a quality Kentucky Kings team tonight. There was no doubt that A.D. Graves proved that he is one of our league’s elite shooting guards with his performance,” added McAvene.
The Kings and The Slam were evenly matched through most of the game as the half time buzzer sounded with the score even at 42. These two teams battled several turnovers, and the ball behaved as a greased pig for three quarters before preferring the hands of the Slam, who ran away with the fourth quarter by outscoring the Kentucky Kings 98 to 87. Highlights of the game include a steal and coast to coast fast break dunk by Guard A.D. Graves in the first quarter. Forward C.J. Anderson commits highway robbery with a steal and assist in the form of a beautiful behind the back pass to Center/Forward Norman Plummer for a layup before the half. Anderson also delivered a crowd pleasing layup as the ball teetered on the edge of the rim for a moment before gracing the basket with its presence, and there it was.
For Gem City Slam sponsorship opportunities and half-time show opportunities, contact David Herzog, GM and owner on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
For Press Inquiries, contact Eva Costa, publicist at Giving Tree Creative Collaborative, at (937)554-7766 or givingtreecollaborative@gmail.
