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Back Together Again

April 12, 2011 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Rochester RazorSharks News Release


They were back together as a unit for the first time in a week, for the first time since customs officials in Canada decided that Jerice Crouch and Sammy Monroe couldn't cross the border for the conclusion of their Premier Basketball League playoff series in Quebec.

A lot happened since then. Playing minus two of their top performers and and with just an eight man active roster, the Rochester RazorSharks still managed to split their games with the Quebec Kebs and win the semifinal series two games to one.

"There's not a group of people I'd have rather been there with than them," said Coach Rod Baker. "I told them that beforehand. I'd take my shot with them before anybody else. They understood what needed to be done. They kept their minds intact, their bodies intact and did what they had to do."

The Sharks now prepare to play defending PBL champion Lawton-Fort Sill in the finals beginning at the Blue Cross Arena Friday. Crouch and Monroe are back in business.

"They can feel grateful that these guys have given them an opportunity to still be playing," said Baker. "But they don't have to do anything special, just come in and be themselves."

"It was kind of tough because I wished I was with my team so I could help them win," said Monroe. "But I had confidence in them I was pretty sure they would win the series. I wasn't too worried about the situation."

"I was confident that they could do it," added Crouch. "Coach always preached that he always gets the best ten to twelve guys, we don't have the best five. So you know, anybody can come in and fill the void. Boom (Melvin Council) did that for me. I talked to him the night before the game and I just told him, 'be yourself, man."

Good advice in light of Council's performance in the decisive game at Quebec on Friday. Council scored a career high 36 points on 9 for 11 shooting. He converted 17 of 18 free throws. Crouch, who saw an 89 game consecutive game streak snapped, is grateful for the opportunity Council helped provide this week.

"I thanked them and congratulated them on getting that victory," said Jerice. "I know it was tough in a hostile environment with everything against you."

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