Skyhawks Soar in Home Opener Thriller, Besting Raptors 905 122-117
Skyhawks finish off the Raptors 905 at home. Photo College Park Skyhawks Instagram
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. – November 11, 2024
The College Park Skyhawks treated fans to an unforgettable home opener, securing a 122-117 win against Raptors 905 at Gateway Center Arena. The Skyhawks now sit comfortably with a 2-0 record, riding high on explosive performances from their top players and a sold-out crowd's energy.
Jarkel Joiner Delivers in the Clutch
Second-year guard Jarkel Joiner stole the spotlight, notching a career-high 30 points. Joiner’s sharpshooting helped push the Skyhawks out in front early, but it was his clutch three-pointer with just 44 seconds left that sealed the game. Adding six rebounds, five assists, and a steal, Joiner’s all-around play was pivotal in keeping the Raptors 905 at bay.
“It felt electric out there,” Joiner said after the game. “I could feel the crowd behind us, and that energy pushed us through to the finish.”
Kevon Harris: Almost a Triple-Double
While Joiner was lighting up the scoreboard, Kevon Harris filled up the stat sheet, coming tantalizingly close to a triple-double. Harris ended the night with 17 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and three steals—a rare combination in Skyhawks history, last achieved in 2020 by Tahjere McCall. Harris’s defensive presence and playmaking were instrumental in maintaining the Skyhawks’ lead for most of the game.
Dominant Double-Double from Tony Bradley
Veteran big man Tony Bradley was an unstoppable force on the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds and chipping in 21 points for his 17th career double-double in the NBA G League. His dominance in the paint and consistent scoring kept the Raptors on their heels, securing the inside advantage for the Skyhawks throughout the game.
Balanced Attack: Six Players in Double Figures
The Skyhawks showcased impressive depth, with six players scoring in double figures. Joining Joiner, Harris, and Bradley were Daeqwon Plowden, Dwight Murray Jr., and Jordan Bowden, each contributing critical points to maintain a steady lead. The team’s 13 three-pointers in the first half set the tone for an offensive onslaught, marking the second-most threes in a half in franchise history.
Raptors’ Late Surge Ties the Game, Joiner Seals the Win
Despite a double-digit lead in the first half, the Skyhawks found themselves tied at 115 late in the fourth quarter. The Raptors rallied with a 9-2 run, highlighted by two-way guard D.J. Carton’s playmaking. But Joiner, in true hero fashion, scored the final seven points for the Skyhawks, including the game-sealing three-pointer.
The Skyhawks now look ahead to a rematch with Raptors 905 on November 13, followed by back-to-back games against the Delaware Blue Coats on November 17 and 18.
With thrilling performances and unwavering resilience, the Skyhawks have made a statement early this season: they’re here to compete.
