FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Sydney, NS, Canada | December 27, 2016

The Cape Breton Highlanders professional basketball team held their inaugural game in Sydney at Centre 200. The team and overall event wowed the crowd as the Highlanders took on last season’s championship team, the Halifax Hurricanes.

The pregame show opened with a performance by The Cape Breton Highlanders Regiment playing pipe and drums while Highland dancers performed. National Basketball League Commissioner, David Magley, welcomed the Cape Breton Highlanders franchise into Canada’s only professional basketball league. Mayor Cecil Clarke led a ceremonial introduction with World War II veteran and longtime basketball fan, Mr. Joe Burke who presented the game ball and passed along the ceremonial Highlanders sword.

The Highlandgirls dance team kept the crowd pumped up and Jordan Musycsyn entertained during the halftime show.

The Highlanders lost a nail biter that came down to a missed last shot that could have given the Highlanders the win. The Halifax Hurricanes won the game 104-102.

Chadrack Lufile led the Highlanders with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Booker Woodfox scored 15 points and 4 assists. Shaquille Keith scored 14 points.

Anthony Cox led the Hurricanes with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Billy White had 16 points. Clifford Clinkscales had 11 assists.

The game was close throughout with exciting play that Highlanders fan will come to love this season. The Cape Breton Highlanders face the Moncton Miracles tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Moncton Coliseum.

The Cape Breton Highlanders Franchise is one of 10 professional basketball teams in the National Basketball League of Canada. The Highlanders’ ownership group is comprised of successful business and community leaders in Cape Breton and led by President and General Manager Tyrone Levingston.

Find out more about our team and ticket information at HighlandersBasketball.ca