North Harbour schoolboys Tom Beattie and Charlie Dalton made a strong impression in their Sal’s NBL debuts with the Auckland Tuatara but will be missing from tonight’s game in Nelson.
The pair will miss their club’s clash with the Nelson Giants at the Trafalgar Centre tonight as they were both focus on important schoolwork on Friday.
Both are students in year 13 at Rosmini College and are balancing school life with playing elite level sport.
They will fly down and link up with their team for Sunday’s third game against the Canterbury Rams in Christchurch.
Coach Aaron Young has been impressed with the players’ attitudes and ability to compete.
“It was great to see Tom and Charlie have a positive impact Saturday night in their first game at NZNBL level,” Young said.
“They were both engaged and ready for their moment, making some huge plays in big moments.”
Dalton played a touch over 10 minutes and scored four points in his debut – perfect in his only field goal attempt and made both his free throws.
Beattie had nine points (4-6) and a rebound in his 10 minutes as well with both players looking at home at Sal’s NBL level.
The Tuatara face the 1-0 Giants at Trafalgar Centre with tipoff at 7.30pm tonight. The game is being broadcast live on Sky Sport 2.