The Osceola Magic (1-0) kicked off their regular season in style with a 115-107 victory over the College Park Skyhawks (0-1) on Friday night. It was a night of career performances for several players as the Magic showcased a balanced attack to secure the win.
Ethan Thompson stole the show for the Magic, leading all scorers with a career-high 29 points. Thompson was electric from beyond the arc, setting new personal bests with eight made three-pointers on 16 attempts, providing the offensive spark Osceola needed to pull away from the Skyhawks.
Robert Baker and Mac McClung were also instrumental in the Magic’s success, each recording double-doubles. Baker dominated the paint with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while McClung orchestrated the offense with 17 points and a game-high 14 assists. Newly acquired Patrick Gardner made his presence felt as well, pulling down 10 rebounds in just 14 minutes in his Magic debut.
For the Skyhawks, Dominick Barlow and Keaton Wallace led the way with 20 points apiece. Wallace was a standout playmaker, dishing out 10 assists to complete a strong double-double performance. Despite their efforts, the Skyhawks struggled to contain the Magic’s offensive rhythm and key contributions from their bench.
Osceola’s ability to dominate on the boards and capitalize on perimeter shooting proved to be the difference. With contributions from key players and new acquisitions, the Magic look poised to be a strong contender as the season unfolds.
Up Next: The College Park Skyhawks will look to bounce back when they face the Windy City Bulls on Monday, Dec. 30, at Gateway Arena.
