Littlehampton basketball prospect Andy Smith impressed with 28 points as South Coast opened their Hosana Pro-Am Summer League campaign with a bit of style.

Smith, who flies back to North Carolina tomorrow to try and impress scouts at a series of top summer events, was the star of the show as South Coast beat Sutton 116-101 at Crystal Palace.

Two big three-pointers from Hove teenager Bud Johnson helped them race into an early 29-16 lead.

The advantage was generally in double figures and was as big as 26 points at one stage in the fourth quarter.

Johnson and former Leopards man Peter Deppisch caught the eye with their long range shooting while Bears guards Mark Jackson and Mike Brown showed off some dazzling back court skills.

There was also a return for Daniel Midgley, who played for Bears in the 2000/01 season, while Oliver Roche of Worthing Thunder will have enjoyed his decent share of court time.

His Thunder team mate Dwayne Martin played as a guest for Sutton.

It was Smith, an England junior international, who really dazzled, however, on his step-up from youth basketball.

He said: "It was a lot of fun. It showed me how I have improved in terms of physical strength."

South Coast tackle Hackney at Palace a week on Friday with a semi-final place at stake. Former Bear Michael Martin has put Westside on course for the other semi.

Scorers: Smith 28, Brown 20, Deppisch 16, Johnson 15, Givens 9, Midgley 9, Jackson 8, Roche 7, Hull 4.