CBA Finals highlight incredible season
Published on March 29, 2006 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (March 30, 2006) The City of Gary celebrates its 100th Anniversary in three months and 15 days (July 14th, 2006). But the celebration began early for Steelheads' fans attending the CBA Finals at the Genesis Center Sunday and Monday.
It was an incredible atmosphere, with knowledgeable and appreciative fans standing, cheering loudly and waving signs of support. The energy in this building is wonderful, it's fantastic, said CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter during a halftime radio interview Sunday. "This is a very educated crowd...very energetic, and I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing.
The Steelheads drew over 7,200 fans for the the second and third games of the CBA Finals. The fans stood and cheered the final 3ý minutes of the deciding Game 3 Monday night, as Gary made a final run that came up short against the CBA Champion Yakama Sun Kings.
"I love Northwest Indiana, said coach Jaren Jackson following the final game. This has been great all year. We competed, and it was close throughout the Series. These people came out here every night and supported this team. They were incredible.
The crowd response capped an amazing run for the Steelheads during the CBA's 60th Anniversary Season. Gary rose from the bottom rung of the CBA a year ago to the top rung as the playoffs began. The achievement ranks as one of the greatest turnaround seasons in CBA history.
Last year, the Steelheads finished at the bottom of the league with a 17-31 record and 135 quarter points (2.8 QPA). This year, Gary improved a net total of 24 games from 14 games under .500 to 10 games over .500 at 29-19. They raised their quarter point average to 4.10, an increase of 1.3 quarter points per game over the previous year. And the Steelheads won an incredible 25ý more quarters of basketball than a year ago.
"We would like to thank the fans and sponsors for all of their support," said Jewell Harris Sr., Owner/Chief Executive Officer. "This magical season would not have been possible without them. Also, the team would like to specifically thank Gary City Councilman Roy Pratt for his tremendous support of our team. He had the vision to understand the significance of professional basketball in downtown Gary. Because of his leadership, the City of Gary has been supportive and we thank all of those individuals who contributed to our success."
Gary finished the season with a best-ever franchise record of 29-19. But this alone did not deliver the top seed in the playoffs. Yakama, Sioux Falls and Rockford all had more wins. But the Steelheads were more efficient than any other team in winning quarters. They won 110 quarters of basketball, six more quarters than any other team in the league. With each quarter having a value of one quarter point, this surplus of quarter victories made the difference.
"This season completely exceeded our expectations, said Jewell Harris Jr., Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel. Even though we were not fortunate enough to win the CBA Championship, we were able to win the hearts of the fans in Northwest Indiana. This season answers all questions as to whether fans have a genuine interest in professional basketball in Gary. I am so grateful to Coach Jackson, Coach Levingston and all of our players and staff for all of their hard work. Because of them, the people who live in this community, including myself, have a renewed sense of community pride. After all, that's what this is all about.
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