Skyhawks Soar in Season Opener, Securing Coach Schmidt's Debut Victory

Skyhawks began their season on the road with a win. Photo: CP Skyhawks Instagram

Mississauga, Ontario – The College Park Skyhawks kicked off the 2023-24 season with a resounding 118-101 victory over Raptors 905 on Sunday afternoon in Mississauga, Ontario. The win marked the team's successful start to the season and became a significant milestone for new Head Coach Ryan Schmidt, who secured his first career win as an NBA G League head coach. Schmidt, the third head coach in Skyhawks history, now stands as the first to achieve victory in his debut game at the helm.

A pivotal Skyhawk player, Chris Silva showcased his dominance with a game-high 27 points and ten rebounds, notching his first double-double. Silva, who led the team with 15 double-doubles in the previous season, appears poised for another stellar campaign.

Offseason acquisition Keaton Wallace made an immediate impact, contributing 19 points on an impressive 6-8 field goals and 3-4 three-pointers. Wallace's performance was well-rounded, adding five assists, four steals, and three rebounds to the stat sheet.

This debut win was also a first for their head coach. Photo: CP Skyhawks Instagram

The game witnessed intense back-and-forth action in the initial three quarters, with both teams trading leads. However, the Skyhawks seized control in the fourth quarter with a decisive 36-24 run. Their defensive prowess was evident as they converted Raptors 905's 17 turnovers into an impressive 30 points, surpassing this mark only three times in the previous season.

Despite a valiant effort by Raptors 905, led by Darryl Morsell's 22 points, the Skyhawks emerged victorious. The two teams are set to face off again on Tuesday evening for the second game of this thrilling two-game set, promising more exciting basketball action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game on NBAGLeague.com.

About College Park Skyhawks:

Situated in the bustling city of College Park, home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Georgia's newest convention center, the College Park Skyhawks are the NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks. The team plays its home games at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 3,500. Owned and operated by the Atlanta Hawks, the Skyhawks boast an ownership team that includes Grammy Award-winning recording artist and College Park native 2 Chainz. Season-Ticket Memberships are currently available, offering exclusive benefits to Founding Members, including VIP events, merchandise discounts, and personalized front office assistance. To learn more, contact info@cpskyhawks.com, visit www.cpskyhawks.com, or call 404-878-3370. Get ready for a season filled with thrilling basketball moments!

This is Dez Barnes of Pretty Girls Love Sports, a new writer on the MTMV Sports platform. I am a retired US Army veteran, professional cheerleader, dog mom, and avid sports lover. Feel free to follow my writings as I dive into the latest sports news! You can find me on all social media channels @PGLOVESPORTS.