Hemsley’s Three-Point Basket Secures Win as Asheville Takes Home Opener Versus Greenville

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 18 – Asheville guard Johnny Hemsley nailed a three-point basket with :23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to propel the Altitude to a 66-61 victory over the Greenville Groove on Sunday afternoon. Hemsley, who was the team’s #1 pick in the inaugural National Basketball Development League (NBDL) draft, scored 10 points with four rebounds.

“I knew I was capable of making the big shot,” said Hemsley. “I have always dreamed of having the ball in my hands with the game on the line and tonight, I had the ball and the shot was there.”

With the win, Asheville records the first win in team history and move to 1-0 on the season, while Greenville falls to 0-2. On Friday, Greenville fell at home to the N. Charleston Lowgators.

“We did the type of things tonight that I like to see a ball club do and that’s play defense,” said Altitude Head Coach Joey Meyer. “We knew after watching them (Greenville) play on Friday, that they were capable of putting a lot of points on the board.”

Despite shooting a dismal 34 percent from the field on 22-of-68 attempts, the Altitude came up with the big shots when needed, including timely fourth quarter baskets by forward Lee Scruggs (15 points) and center Paul Grant (15 points).

Scruggs and Grant combined to score 12 of the Altitude’s 19 fourth quarter points, including one three-pointer from Scruggs and 3-of-4 shooting from the free throw line by Grant.

“Lee and Paul came up big for us tonight,” said Meyer. “We were struggling to score at times and they both seemed to come up with big shot, after big shot.”

Greenville was led by Eric Chenowith (15 points), Ansu Sesay (12 points) and Merl Code (10 points).