January 19, 2007 --Career nights from All-Star Alex Hill and basketball veteran Johnny McClenton was not enough to push the injury-plagued Aces passed the Palm Beach Imperials Thursday night. The Aces came out with tremendous focus and determination, despite playing with only seven players and an Interim Head Coach. McClenton led the Aces with 44 points. 1st-Year All-Star Hill followed with 36, despite battling foul trouble most of the second half. Unfortunately, the Imperials proved to be too much in the fourth quarter and pulled out the victory.
"We played a solid game, but it seemed like we ran out of gas," Interim Coach Mark King said. "We really wanted to get a win and lift Coach Triplett's spirits as he recovers, but...when you're playing with seven guys against a team like the Imperials who run and shoot more 3-pointers than the Phoenix Suns, you're likely to run out of gas towards the end! Every guy on our team gave everything they had! I was proud to Coach tonight, and I'm sure Coach Triplett would have been just as pleased!"
The Aces have been plagued with injuries this month. Two starters, Antonio Lawrence and Renaldo Norman, have been nursing ankle injuries. Defensive energizer Michael Presendieu is recovering from a groin injury. The biggest setback, however, has been the absence of Owner/Head Coach Todd Triplett, who underwent knee surgery this past Tuesday. Fortunately, he is on the road to recovery, and should be ready to rejoin the team soon.
Nevertheless, better days are on the horizon. Both Lawrence and Presendieu are slated to return this Saturday, January 20 as the Aces host the visiting Jacksonville Jam. Norman, whose starting role has been filled temporarily by Ernest Jones, hopes to return the following week.
"I can't say enough about Ernest's play tonight!"Interim Coach Mark King exclaimed. "He brought a lot of energy and heart to the floor. I think he surprised a lot of people tonight! How often does a 5'11" player get 2 blocks in a game? He's been waiting patiently for an opportunity, and he was fully prepared when that opportunity came his way."
The Aces are back at home Saturday, January 20 as they host the Jacksonville Jam at the Downtown Recreation Center. The Jam command the season series 4-1. Advance ticket sales are $5, or $8 at the door. To purchase advanced tickets, fans should send an email request to: tickets@orlandoaces.com or call the Aces office at 407-291-6971.
"We played a solid game, but it seemed like we ran out of gas," Interim Coach Mark King said. "We really wanted to get a win and lift Coach Triplett's spirits as he recovers, but...when you're playing with seven guys against a team like the Imperials who run and shoot more 3-pointers than the Phoenix Suns, you're likely to run out of gas towards the end! Every guy on our team gave everything they had! I was proud to Coach tonight, and I'm sure Coach Triplett would have been just as pleased!"
The Aces have been plagued with injuries this month. Two starters, Antonio Lawrence and Renaldo Norman, have been nursing ankle injuries. Defensive energizer Michael Presendieu is recovering from a groin injury. The biggest setback, however, has been the absence of Owner/Head Coach Todd Triplett, who underwent knee surgery this past Tuesday. Fortunately, he is on the road to recovery, and should be ready to rejoin the team soon.
Nevertheless, better days are on the horizon. Both Lawrence and Presendieu are slated to return this Saturday, January 20 as the Aces host the visiting Jacksonville Jam. Norman, whose starting role has been filled temporarily by Ernest Jones, hopes to return the following week.
"I can't say enough about Ernest's play tonight!"Interim Coach Mark King exclaimed. "He brought a lot of energy and heart to the floor. I think he surprised a lot of people tonight! How often does a 5'11" player get 2 blocks in a game? He's been waiting patiently for an opportunity, and he was fully prepared when that opportunity came his way."
The Aces are back at home Saturday, January 20 as they host the Jacksonville Jam at the Downtown Recreation Center. The Jam command the season series 4-1. Advance ticket sales are $5, or $8 at the door. To purchase advanced tickets, fans should send an email request to: tickets@orlandoaces.com or call the Aces office at 407-291-6971.
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