Edmonton Stingers guard Xavier Moon looks for encore performance
Xavier Moon made an impressive debut for the Edmonton Stingers in their home opener two weeks ago.
The point guard from Goodwater, Ala., scored a game-high 36 points in the 118-105 overtime victory against the Niagara River Lions.
He is hoping for a similar performance when the Stingers host the Guelph Knighthawks at the Edmonton Expo Center on Friday (7 p.m.) in their second home game of the season.
“We just have to try and come out and do what we did the first game,” Moon said. “We have to try and make it exciting, just have fun with it and play together. We’ll be in front of the home crowd, so it’ll be easier than playing on the road, so we just have to come out and try to use that energy from the crowd and give them a show.”
Moon quickly endeared himself to basketball fans in Edmonton with his opening-night performance. He’s now the second-most popular professional athlete named Moon in the city after Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who began his career with the Edmonton Eskimos.
“He’s not the first Moon in Edmonton to make a name for himself, so I think Edmonton fans are going to be excited to see him back out there again,” said Stingers head coach Barnaby Craddock. “As a coach I would love to see him have the same performance he had in the first game, it was a hell of a performance. He’s a special talent and we’re lucky to having him playing for us.”
Moon will try to help the Stingers end a two-game losing streak, having lost two road games following their home debut.
“The home crowd helps a lot,” Moon said. “Playing on the road is tough, especially at the pro level, so we try to use all the energy the fans bring, it definitely helps a lot.”
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