IBL Notebook
by Jeff Duncan
June 10, 2007 - International Basketball League (IBL)
-"Go West young man" was uttered thousands of times by Easterners with dreams of finding fame and fortune in the wild wild West. The Elgin Racers wish they never heeded the call to go West. In the much anticipated East-v-West match up, the short handed Everett Explosion put away the Elgin Racers 122-114 June 7th at the Everett Events Center. Three Everett starters, including leading scorer Rashaad Powell, missed the game due to injury. Donald Watts led the way in the victory with 31 points. Justin Murray added 21 points for the Explosion. DeAnthony Bowden led all scorers with 34 points for the Racers.
- Not only did Elgin lose to Everett, but the next night the Racers were beaten by a mediocre Seattle club 100-99. Antwon Jones hit a floater in the lane with 20 seconds left to give the Mountaineers a one-point edge, and, ultimately, the victory. Lemar Gayle led Seattle with a 27 point effort. Brandon Watkins was the game's top scorer with 30 points in the loss. Elgin bounced back on the last night of their three game roadie with a 138-131 victory over the defensive challenged Lewis County Raptors. Sherick Simpson led the way for Elgin with a game high 35 point outing. Sam Moore and newcomer Ronnie Ross came up big for the Raptors in the loss, scoring 34 and 33 points respectively.
-The Salem Stampede have bounced back nicely from a rough four game road trip where they lost three out of four games. Salem beat Vancouver twice and took care of their I-5 rival Portland Chinooks 126-125 ending Portlands' four game win streak. Blake Walker topped four Stampede players with at least 20 points with a 24 point outing. Shammgod Wells and David Jackson were both outstanding for Portland in the loss, finishing with 41 and 33 points respectively. Even though Portland lost this likely playoff match up, they hung close with IBL leading scorer, and my favorite to win IBL player of the year, David Lucas still out with a hand injury. When Lucas returns and joins the likes of Mike Parker, Shammgod Wells, David Jackson and Terrence Green, watch out!
-The Elkart Express keep on rolling down the tracks to the playoffs. Elkhart sits a top the East division at 16-2 one half game ahead of the Marysville Meteors who unexpectedly lost to league rival Battle Creek 110-02. Elkhart is riding a four game win streak with a easy victory over Grand Rapids and three wins over the Holland Blast. Next up for the Express is a match up with the tough Elgin Racers June 15th at North Side Gym. Did you know Elkhart has only lost three games in almost two years of play?
-Marysville bounced back after a loss to Battle Creek and took care of the Grand Rapids Flight 133-117. Marysville had a balanced attack with seven players in double figure led by Larry Drakes' 23 points. If Marysville keeps getting this kind of balance, and don't rely on Michael Brownlee and Estaban Weaver for the majority of their scoring, they will be tough out come playoff time.
-Even though Elgin lost two out of three on their three game swing to the Pacific Northwest, they will still be a formidable team come playoff time. The Elgin Racers have put together a solid season so far. Elgin has benefitted from balanced scoring from the likes of DeAnthony Bowden 35.0 points per game, Sherick Simpson 24.2, Keith Gayden 18.3, Andre Newsome 16.6, and Derick Hollyfield 14.5.
-Santa Barbara signed 6-10 Center Jelani McCoy a seven year NBA veteran. Lamond Murray, another NBA veteran, has rejoined the Breakers. -Everett signed 6-9 Power Forward Matt Heuer and 6-1 Guard Joshua Reisman. Center Brian "yogi" Dennis has rejoined the Explosion.
-IBL founder and commissioner is taking a well deserved one year sabbatical. Tyler Buck will join the IBL as Chief Executive Officer. Buck is also assigned to develop several new revenue streams for the league. Duilio and IBL deputy commissioner will serve as advisors.
-IBL top ten scoring leaders (seven game minimum)
1. David Lucas Portland 34.8
2. Estaban Weaver Marysville 33.2
3. Jovan Harris Tri Valley 32.3
4. Blake Walker Salem 31.7
5. Rashaad Powell Everett 30.3
6. Lemar Gayle Seattle 28.9
7. Nick Zachery Battle Creek 27.8
8. Darrell Tucker Tri Valley 26.1
9. Michael Brownlee Marysville 25.6
10. Franco Harris Tri Valley 24.8
-The IBL playoffs begin June 29th. Here is some preliminary information:
-The playoffs will be held in two locations with the championship site yet to be determined.
-The Western teams playoff will be in Portland, Oregon.
-The Eastern teams will have their playoff in Elkhart, Indiana.
-For a player to be eligible for playoff competition they must have played in at least three games with their current team prior to the playoffs. (There is still time to sign players for that late playoff run)
-Playoffs will run June 29, 30, and July 1st. No firm date for the championship game yet but it will most likely be a week or two after the end of East and West playoffs.
-Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling 866-IBL-GAME by credit card.
-Who is in the playoffs and the seeding will be announced June 24th. I will be doing my much anticipated IBL playoff preview once the seeds have ben announced.
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International Basketball League Stories from June 10, 2007
- IBL Notebook - OSC Original by Jeff Duncan
- Everett struggles in Eugene - Snohomish County Explosion
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
