CBA Weekly

January 2, 2008 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release

PATRICK O'HERRON EARNS DECEMBER COACH OF THE MONTH AWARD

Butte head coach piloted undermanned Daredevils to best quarterpoint record of month

The Continental Basketball Association is pleased to announce that Patrick O'Herron, the Butte Daredevils' head coach, has been named Coach of the Month for December 2007. This is O'Herron's first Coach of the Month honors. O'Herron averaged 5.14 quarterpoints per game for all games played in December, narrowly edging out the Yakama Sun Kings' Paul Woolpert, who amassed a 5.10 quarterpoint average this month. This season, the Daredevils are blessed with scoring punch from returning player Odell Bradley (23.0 ppg), Benson Callier (15.4 ppg), and Aaron Cook (13.5 ppg, 5.8 assists per game).

This is O'Herron's second season with the Daredevils; he replaced initial coach Scott Carson in January 2007. O'Herron has also coached professionally in both the ABA and the USBL.

RONNIE FIELDS EARNS CBA AMERICAN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Minot Guard Dominates in two Skyrockets Wins

The Continental Basketball Association is pleased to announce that Ronnie Fields of the Minot Skyrockets has been named American Conference Player of the Week for the week ending December 30, 2007. Fields is the second Skyrocket to earn the award this season; John Strickland was named Player of the Week on December 3.

In two games against the Albany Patroons, the 6'4" guard from Farragut Academy scored 39 points, including Fields had a team-high 23 points and three steal in Minot's 102-92 victory over Albany. Fields currently has 5,471 points, placing him among the top ten scorers in CBA history.

Other players receiving consideration for Player of the Week included: Jason Williams, Albany; Zach Marbury, Atlanta; Josh Pace, East Kentucky; Carl Krauser, Pittsburgh.

AARON COOK EARNS CBA NATIONAL CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Scores double-double, 7 steals on shorthanded Butte victory

The Continental Basketball Association is pleased to announce that Aaron Cook of the Butte Daredevils has been named National Conference Player of the Week for the week ending December 30, 2007. Cook is the second Daredevil to earn the honors this season; Odell Bradley was named Player of the Week on December 17.

Cook, a 6'2" guard from the University at Hartford, scored 19 points, 10 assists and 7 steals in Butte's 115-99 Saturday night home victory over the Oklahoma Cavalry. What made this feat more remarkable is that Butte started the contest with six players; Cook played all 48 minutes of the game in helping the Daredevils earn 5.5 quarterpoints in the victory.

Other players receiving consideration for Player of the Week included: Moochie Norris, Yakama; Judson Stubbs, Oklahoma; Nate Green, Great Falls; Rod Nealy, Rio Grande Valley.

CBA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP

Partners with clothier for league-branded apparel

ALBANY, NY (Dec 27, 2007) - CBA Properties, LLC today announced that it has signed an agreement with Top Of the World Hat, Inc., to produce CBA brand and team hats to be sold in various retail outlets including Wal-Mart Stores. Terms of the deal include the launch of Wal-Mart stores throughout Kentucky to showcase the East Kentucky Miners, the only professional basketball team in the state.

Top of The World (TOW) was founded in1986 in Norman, Oklahoma and sold imported hats at the University of Oklahoma football games. Peter Wilson, the company's founder had a vision to grow the company nationally through collegiate sales, and in the early 1990s were ranked first by the collegiate licensing company. The company is known for its innovative designs and quality products. Tow has brought successful designs to the marketplace, such as "Graffiti", "Tidal Wave" and the patented "Cappello" cap and visor.

"The league is very strategic on selecting our partners as we continue to build on our 62 year history of operation in professional basketball" stated Ricardo A. Richardson, CBA Properties President & CEO, "Our goal has been to build a strong league with controlled expansion, then focus on uniformity on and off the basketball court. We are now beginning to focus on national partnerships and quality strategic alliances"

"The CBA is one of the oldest leagues in the United States, and have continued its tradition of shaping coaches and athletes that go on to compete at the next level. TOW has grown slowly and steadily similar to the CBA, and is now one of the most successful hat manufacturers in the world" stated Peter Wilson, TOW CEO, "Our licenses include the NCAA, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Major League Soccer, AFL, and now the CBA brand. We look forward to building a national launch for the CBA."

"This partnership for the East Kentucky Miners and the CBA is the beginning of several national programs that the league is developing," stated Demetrius Ford, Miners CEO. "The Miners are proud to lead this launch in the state of Kentucky, and the innovative designs by TOW hats have been popular at our games this season."

E. Kentucky Miners co-founder and 10-year veteran NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler added, "We're excited about this partnership and the focus and direction of the league. CBA Properties is announcing strategic partnerships that have substance and will be beneficial to all teams in the league, and the Miners will have the opportunity to showcase these hat designs throughout Kentucky."

TOW, Inc. is a national hat manufacturing and distribution company with active licenses with MLS, IRL, Indy Racing League, NCAA, Miller Brewing Company, Anheuser Busch, AFL2, and collegiate sports. For further information, e-mail rrichardson@cbahoopsonline.com, or Mike Ross, mross@towcaps.com.

OKLAHOMA CAVALRY UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Micheal Ray Richardson returned as head coach Dec. 27

The Oklahoma Cavalry will be operating under a new, local ownership group pending the CBA board's final approval.

The transfer of ownership took place Dec. 23, with the new ownership group consisting of Mike Brown, Phil Kennedy, Hossein Moini and John Zelbst. CBA Chairman of the Executive Committee Ben Fernandez has approved of the transfer, and John Zelbst said he does not anticipate any problems with the board's final approval.

"I, along with the other businessmen, am eager to be a part of this great organization," Zelbst said. "This was a community interest issue, and we wanted to get involved."

Zelbst said President/General Manager Otis Birdsong and his front office staff will remain the same, and Micheal Ray Richardson will be reinstated as the Cavalry Head Coach after the December 25, 2007 game in Albany, N.Y. He will resume his coaching duties Dec. 27 when the Cavalry host the Great Falls Explorers.

Birdsong said he could not be happier with the new ownership and said the Cavalry and the community will benefit greatly from having these local business men involved with the organization.

"I am very happy and pleased to be a part of the new ownership," Birdsong said. "Because the team will now be locally owned, it will allow us to have more visibility in the community, which will only result in more positive things to come."

Zelbstalso agreed that local ownership will have a positive impact not only on the community but the organization as well.

"Having local ownership is one of the most important aspects in producing a successful franchise," Zelbst said. "We will stand for strong financial ownership."

ALBANY PATROONS PR DIRECTOR EARNS MINORLEAGUENEWS.COM AWARD

2007 "Ralphie" Award for Best Minor League Basketball PR Director

The Continental Basketball Association is pleased to announce that Julie LaFrano, Manager of Media and Community Relations for the Albany Patroons, was honored by Minorleaguenews.com as the recipient of its 2007 award for Basketball Media Director of the Year.

LaFrano, who has been with the Patroons since their return to the CBA in 2005, was one of four people to receive Minorleaguenews.com's "Ralphie" award, honoring excellence in minor league PR relations with the website. Also honored by the website were Gabe Ross, the Assistant General Manager and Director of Media Relations for the Sacramento River Cats (PCL baseball); Bob Crawford, the Broadcaster and Media Relations Director for the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); and Dustin Morse (Minnesota Twins baseball, for coverage of the Twins farm system).

This is the first time Minorleaguenews.com has honored a Continental Basketball Association team or representative with its coveted "Ralphie" award.

RECENT CBA TRANSACTIONS

Dec. 27, 2007

The CBA announced that the Oklahoma Cavalry franchise has been sold from Hopgood Associates to Pin High Investments, Inc.

Great Falls Explorers signed G Vinson Smith and G Chris Harris. Placed F Mike Chavez and G Omar Guinea on Injured Reserve.

Oklahoma Cavalry signed G Albert Robinson and G Adam Spanich. Activated G Curtis Haywood. Waived G Randy Gill at 10 am EST. Placed F Darold Crow and C Pierre Darden on Injured Reserve. Head Coach Cliff Levingston has been relieved of his coaching duties and been replaced by Micheal Ray Richardson.

Dec. 29, 2007

Great Falls Explorers signed G Marlyn Bryant. Placed G Chris Harris on Injured Reserve.

Pittsburgh Xplosion signed G Tyrone Anderson. Waived C Cory Underwood at 5 pm EST.

Rio Grande Valley Silverados signed G Keith Simpson. Placed Mike Dean on bereavement leave. Activated C Johnny Tyson. Waived G Nick Gamble at 5 pm EST.

CBA TEAM REPORTS

Albany Patroons (9-6, 60.0 QP, 4.00 AVG, 2nd place, American Conference) In a Christmas night matchup at the Washington Avenue Armory, the Albany Patroons extended their home winning streak to six contests with a 121-98 [6-1] victory over the Oklahoma Cavalry. Amal McCaskill led all Patroons in scoring with 22 points and 13 rebounds. "We made more of an effort to get out and run in this game," said McCaskill. "We turned the game around in the 4th quarter last game when we pressured them, and we took advantage of team mistakes this time. Once we got to running, we pretty much controlled the game." Jamaal Miller scored 18 points in the game, as well as hitting five three-pointers. DayShawn Wright, in his first start for the Patroons, garnered 13 points and several key steals. Then it was off to Minot for a two-game series with the Minot Skyrockets. On Thursday night's opener, Albany and Minot played close for four periods, with Minot getting the win 105-101 [5.5-1.5]. Jason Williams led the Patroons with 23 points; Jamaal Miller's 21 points included a trio of three-pointers. In his first game back in Minot since the 2006-07 season, Albany's Dayshawn Wright had nine rebounds. Albany and Minot faced off Friday night in the rematch, but the Patroons were unable to capitalize on a 33-23 lead in the first quarter, and eventually lost 102-92 [6-1]. Jamaal Miller led the Patroons with 30 points, including 7 three-point shots. Nat Burton added 19 points in a losing cause.

Atlanta Krunk (7-11, 51.5 QP, 2.86 AVG, 5th place, American Conference) The Atlanta Krunk hosted the East Kentucky Miners for a post-Christmas Thursday night battle, and was able to take a 107-104 [5-2] victory from their visitors. Zach Marbury's 28 points led the Krunk in scoring; Marbury went 11-12 from the line and 3-5 from 3-point range. Steve Thomas' 11 rebounds led the Krunk in that category. In the return match Saturday night at the John H. Lewis Gymnasium, Zach Marbury's 35 points were not enough to give the Krunk a second consecutive win, as Atlanta bowed 105-98 [5.5-1.5] to the East Kentucky Miners. Waki Williams added 21 points in the loss; Steve Thomas was high rebounder with 12 boards.

Butte Daredevils (12-7, 77.0 QP, 4.05 AVG, 2nd place, National Conference) Talk about making something out of nothing - the Butte Daredevils were down to six players after forward Jason Miller accepted an overseas contract, forward Lionel Davis was released, and guard Marcus Jefferson did not return to the team after Christmas break. In comes an almost fully stocked Oklahoma Cavalry, bolstered by the return of coach Micheal Ray Richardson, to the Butte Civic Center. Six Daredevils against Nine Cavalrymen. The Daredevils should have lost, right? Think again. The Daredevils bolted to an early 32-13 lead in the first quarter, and eventually won the December 29th contest 115-99 [5.5-1.5]. Benson Callier, a 6'6" rookie guard from Western Kentucky, led the Daredevils with 29 points and 10 rebounds; another rookie, Blake Sholberg, led the team in rebounds with 13 boards. Aaron Cook, a 6'2" guard from Hartford who last year was part of the ABA champion Vermont Frost Heaves lineup, had 19 points, 10 assists, and 7 steals.

East Kentucky Miners (10-11, 68.0 QP, 3.24 AVG, 4th place, American Conference) The East Kentucky Miners took a road trip to the Peachtree State to try to stave off the Atlanta Krunk. Unfortunately, despite Josh Pace (27 pts) and James "Boo" Jackson (21 pts, 10 rebounds) combining for 48 points, the Miners lost a close game to the Krunk 107-104 [5-2]. The Miners rebounded Saturday night, taking the Atlanta Krunk apart, 105-98 [5.5-1.5]. James "Boo" Jackson added another double-double to his collection, with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Reo Logan had three blocks in the win; Jason MacLeish stole the ball three times. Josh Pace notched 20 points to tie Jackson for the game-high total.

Great Falls Explorers (5-14, 43.5 QP, 2.29 AVG, 4th place, National Conference) The Explorers went on the road to try to acquire third place in the National Conference from the host Oklahoma Cavalry. It didn't' happen, as the Explorers bowed 113-99 [5-2] to the Cavalry in Lawton. Nate Green's 32 points and 14 rebounds led the Blue and White in both categories. Najeeb Echols followed up with 21 points for Great Falls. A better result came on the road in Texas, as the Explorers defeated the Rio Grande Valley Silverados 106-85 [6-1]. Six members of the Blue and White were in double figures; Nate Green led all Explorers in points with 24, while Keith Salscheider put 22 points on the board. The second game, however, a Sunday afternoon affair in McAllen, Tx., saw the Explorers lose their second game to the Silverados, 93-75 [6-1]. Najeeb Echols led the Explorers in scoring with 16 points; both Nate Green and Marlyn Bryant had 7 rebounds apiece.

Minot Skyrockets (11-5, 74.5 QP, 4.66 AVG, 1st place, American Conference) The Minot Skyrockets hosted Albany at the Minot Municipal Auditorium for a two-game series. In Thursday's opener, the Skyrockets and Patroons played four close quarters, with Minot eventually taking the win 105-101 [5.5-1.5]. Kellen Miliner's 20 points included a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, including the crucial final four free throws that gave the Skyrockets the win. Marshall Phillips had a double-double of 16 points and 12 assists; Phillips also had four steals in the game. In Friday night's rematch, the Skyrockets held Albany scoreless through a seven-minute span in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 102-92 [6-1] win. Ronnie Fields led Minot with 23 points and three steals; while Marshall Phillips Phillips scored 18 of his 20 points in the first 24 minutes of the game and finished with 10 rebounds to garner a double-double.

Oklahoma Cavalry (7-8, 49.0 QP, 3.27 AVG, 3rd place, National Conference) The Cavalry's road trip of turmoil ended Christmas night with a 121-98 [6-1] loss in Albany. The Cavalry were led in scoring by Greg Plummer with 25 points; Charles Henson, the former Iona standout that was signed that afternoon by Oklahoma, scored 10 points off the bench. The loss was Cavalry head coach Cliff Levingston's fourth in a row; former Cavalry head coach Micheal Ray Richardson resumed head coaching duties at the Cavalry's next home game, December 27th against Great Falls. The Cavalry's first home game with their new ownership group, their original coach, and most of their original lineup, hosted the Great Falls Explorers at the Great Plains Coliseum for a Thursday night contest. The Cavs returned to their old form, breaking their six-game losing streak by defeating the Explorers 113-99 [5-2], with Daryan Selvy's 20 points leading the Sooner State crew. Marvin Phillips, moving from forward to center position for the game, pulled down 11 boards to go with his 14 points. The Cavalry then traveled to Butte for a road game against the undermanned Daredevils; but quickly fell behind 32-13 in the first quarter and eventually lost 115-99 [5.5-1.5]. Albert Robinson led the Cavs in scoring with 21 points; three players had double-doubles on the night; Marvin Phillips (13 pts, 15 rebs), Curtis Haywood (19 pts, 12 rebs) and Eddie Smith (18 pts, 10 assists).

Pittsburgh Xplosion (9-10, 66.0 QP, 3.47 AVG, 3rd place, American Conference) The Pittsburgh Xplosion hosted Yakama for the first of two games at Mellon Arena; in the first, on Thursday night, the Xplosion bowed 97-93 [5-2], despite Shaun Fountain leading the Black and Gold with 25 points. "We had some mental mistakes at some key points in the game," head coach Carlos Knox said. "The execution just wasn't there at times, but I felt like we played well enough throughout that we could have won this one." Another tough loss occurred Friday night, as the Xplosion fell to the Sun Kings 116-107 [5-2]. Shaun Fountain dropped 22 points to lead the Xplosion in scoring; Carl Krasuer's 20 points and Albert White's 19 markers were also high totals for Pittsburgh.

Rio Grande Valley Silverados (2-16, 29.5 QP, 1.64 AVG, 5th place, National Conference)The Silverados returned to the McAllen Convention Center with hopes of upending the only team they hold a win over, the Great Falls Explorers. Friday night's contest did not allow Rio Grande Valley to earn their second win, as the Silverados fell 106-85 [6-1] to Great Falls. The Silverados were without point scorer Mike Dean, who left the team on bereavement leave; Toby Smith paced the Silverados with 18 points, while Brian Evans added 16 points to the total, including ten points in the fourth quarter, the only quarter RGV was able to take. Sunday afternoon was a different story, however, as the Silverados finally won their first home game in franchise history, a 93-75 [6-1] domination over Great Falls. RGV shot 48.6 percent (17-of-35) from the field during the first half and limited the Explorers to 14 field goals on 42 attempts. Rod Nealy assembled a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, one of six Silverados to score in double figures. "It was a great win for us," said Silverados head coach Derrick Rowland to the McAllen Monitor. "The effort was there tonight by the players. It's our first home win, and I tell you it feels like we won the championship ... I know what we're capable of doing once we bring the effort and the preparation for it. It was just a great win, and everybody contributed."

Yakama Sun Kings (17-1, 104.0 QP, 5.78 AVG, 1st place, National Conference) The Sun Kings visited Pittsburgh for the first of two road games against the Pittsburgh Xplosion. Although the game remained close throughout three quarters, the Sun Kings pulled away with a 97-93 [5-2] victory. Jason Sasser's 25 points were tops for the Sun Kings; while Moochie Norris had a double-double of 11 points and 15 assists. Desmond Ferguson added three more 3-pointers to his career total, as part of his 19 points in the game. The Sun Kings took the second contest against Pittsburgh with a 116-107 [5-2] decisive road victory. Jason Sasser's 37 points included 14 rebounds; Moochie Norris added 19 points and 12 assists. This allowed the Sun Kings to surpass 100 quarterpoints in their 18th game, the fastest any franchise has ever surpassed 100 quarterpoints in any CBA season.

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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from January 2, 2008

• CBA Transactions - CBA 1
• Butte Daredevils Ready to Win Mining City Challenge - Butte Daredevils
• Cavs Pull Out Win Over Rio Grande In Overtime - Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry
• Pace considered for player of the week - East Kentucky Miners
• CBA Weekly - CBA 1
• Cavalry Name Greg Minor New Assistant Coach - Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry

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