CBA weekly

February 28, 2007 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release

CBA MOURNS THE PASSING OF DENNIS JOHNSON, BARRY STEVENS

Two former CBA coaches died in the span of 24 hours

The Continental Basketball Association is saddened by the sudden passing of two former CBA head coaches in recent days. On February 21, 2007, former CBA veteran player and Gary Steelheads head coach Barry Stevens, collapsed while working out at Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center in Gary, and could not be revived. He was 43. Just one day later, on February 22, 2007, the basketball world was rocked by the passing of NBA legend and former La Crosse Bobcats head coach Dennis Johnson, who suffered a fatal heart attack after conducting a practice with the NBA Development League's Austin Toros. Johnson was 52.

The NBA accolades for Johnson were numerous - three NBA championship rings (1979 Seattle, 1984 and 1986, Boston), the 1979 series MVP, the famous playoff layup after receiving the Isiah Thomas inbounds steal by Larry Bird in the 1987 NBA playoffs, a moment memorialized by Celtics announcer Johnny Most's famous radio call. During the 1999-2000 season, Johnson was head coach of the CBA's La Crosse Bobcats, and compiled a 14-22 mark with that franchise, and was named Coach of the Month in January 2000. Before he was called up to coach the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, Johnson had guided three of his Bobcats - Brandon Williams, Mark Hendrickson, and Mark Davis - to the NBA.

Barry Stevens played for seven seasons in the CBA, suiting up for several different franchises from 1986 to 1994. During that time, he scored 3,789 points (15.3 ppg), and added 163 points in two playoff runs (1989, 1992). He played in the 1991 CBA All-Star Classic, and won the 1991 Long Distance Shootout trophy at that event. In 1999, Stevens put in motion the marketing plan that, two years later, would result in a CBA franchise for his hometown of Flint, Michigan (which eventually became the 2001-02 Flint Fuze). In the 2001-02 season, Stevens was hired as the head coach and director of basketball operations for the Gary Steelheads, guiding them to a 22-34 record and earning Coach of the Month honors in March 2002.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Donna, and his sons Dwayne, Dennis and Daniel. Stevens is survived by his wife Sarita, his daughter Arriel, and his sons Darius and Jarius. Funeral arrangements for both men are pending as of the time of this release.

"The recent passing of these two former head coaches is a loss for everyone in the basketball community," said CBA Director of Operations Dennis Truax. "Barry was instrumental in the formation of the Flint Fuze and did an excellent job with the Steelheads when they returned to the reformed CBA in 2001-02. Barry was also an excellent player in the CBA and could really shoot it from behind the arc. Dennis was a complete professional on and off the court. His talents on the court speak for themselves and he was making a great transition from playing to coaching. The world is a lesser place without these two men. On behalf of everyone in the CBA, I want to pass on our condolences to the families of Barry Stevens and Dennis Johnson for their loss."

DID YOU KNOW?

The 1946-47 Wilkes-Barre Barons and Lancaster Red Roses finished the season with perfect unbeaten 15-0 home records, and advanced to the league's best-of-three championship round. After both teams won their respective home games, neither squad would agree to visit the other team's home court (Wilkes-Barre's Kingston Armory, Lancaster's McCaskey High School) for the third and deciding game. Eventually both teams agreed to play the final game on a neutral court - Rockne Hall in Allentown PA, and the Barons, designated as the "home team," won the game and the first CBA/Eastern League championship.

PLAYOFF SCENARIO IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY:

American Conference: First round (best of 3) Albany v. Indiana; game 1 at Anderson Wigwam; remaining games at Washington Avenue Armory, Albany

Second round (best of 3) Albany-Indiana winner v. Minot; game 1 at Albany-Indiana home court; remaining games at Minot Municipal Auditorium

National Conference: First round (best of 3) Great Falls v. Butte; game 1 at Butte Civic Center; remaining games at 4 Seasons Center, Great Falls

Second round (best of 3) Great Falls-Butte winner v. Yakama; game 1 at Butte-Great Falls home court; remaining games at Yakima SunDome

Playoff finals (best of 5): first two games hosted by team with lower regular season QPA; games 3, 4 and 5 hosted by team with higher QPA

MAGIC NUMBERS AS OF FEBRUARY 20, 2007:

FOR YAKAMA TO CLAIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FIRST ROUND BYE:

63.5 QP's over Great Falls and 45.5 QP's over Butte

FOR MINOT TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT: 23.5 QP's over Pittsburgh

FOR ALBANY TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT: 27.5 QP's over Pittsburgh

FOR INDIANA TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT: 28 QP's over Pittsburgh

AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FIRST ROUND BYE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

CBA WINDS INTO FINAL MONTH OF REGULAR SEASON

Players standing out for major award consideration

As the Continental Basketball Association heads toward the playoff season, several players and coaches are in line for the league's many individual awards. With just four short weeks for players to "kick it up a notch" and show their skills, the CBA wishes to recognize several individuals in this team sport, and offer them for your consideration for postseason merits.

NOTE: Only players that are on a team's current CBA roster at the end of the regular season, or those who have been called up to an NBA team prior to the end of the season, are under consideration for post-season individual trophies. This is not a complete list of candidates; only those candidates who have distinguished themselves throughout the year. All candidates are listed alphabetically.

CBA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

Established 1950 as Tommy Bell Memorial Trophy; later changed to Most Valuable Player trophy prior to 1978-79 season

Prior Winners of Note: Jack McCloskey (1953, 1954), Paul Arizin (1963), Vincent Askew (1990, 1991), Anthony Goldwire (2006)

DESMOND FERGUSON, MINOT SKYROCKETS

Fourth overall in CBA scoring average (21.4 ppg), fourth in free throw accuracy (89%). Leads CBA in 3-point conversions (118), and is currently on pace to break the single-season record of 175 3-pointers.

SHAUN FOUNTAIN, INDIANA ALLEY CATS

Averaging 21.7 ppg for Alley Cats (3rd best in CBA); leads team in assists (5.8 apg) and minutes played (39.7 mpg); averages 2.6 steals per game, second best among all CBA players. Had league-high eight steals in a game; accomplished that feat twice this year.

MALIK MOORE, GREAT FALLS EXPLORERS

Leads Explorers in scoring (16.0 ppg); second in CBA in assists (6.1 apg), had 13-assist game on December 23, 2006 against hapless Utah Eagles.

GALEN YOUNG, YAKAMA SUN KINGS

Earned three triple-doubles this season; leads CBA in assists (6.8 apg), third overall in rebounds (8.2 rpg), averages 16.7 ppg. Scored league season-high 14 assists on January 13, 2007 against Butte.

CBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Established 1958; renamed the Michael Adams Rookie of the Year Award in 1996; players who are in their first professional season are eligible for this award.

Prior Winners of Note: Bob Love (1966), Michael Adams (1986), Roger Powell Jr. (2006)

TRAVIS GARRISON, GREAT FALLS EXPLORERS

Averaged 12.5 ppg for Explorers; also averages 4.9 rpg and 6.1 assists per game. Originally coming off the bench in games; he has started the last six games.

SHAWN HAWKINS, PITTSBURGH XPLOSION

Just as Connie Hawkins starred for the Pittsburgh Rens, so has Shawn Hawkins starred for the Pittsburgh Xplosion. Started 15 of 28 games, averages 14.0 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 30 minutes each game.

GORDON KLAIBER, ALBANY PATROONS

Solid role player for Albany, started 19 of 26 games. Averaged 8.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg with 25 minutes per contest. Had a game-high four steals on 1/25 against Pittsburgh.

KEVIN PITTSNOGLE, PITTSBURGH XPLOSION

5th in CBA scoring average (20.7 ppg), 88% free throw accuracy, had 44 points on road against Minot on January 10, 2007; twice converted season-high 15 free throws in games against Indiana (January 14, 2007) and Albany (January 1, 2007). Started 27 of 29 games. Was team's leading scorer in 12 consecutive games.

CBA NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Established 1978; Players with prior professional experience, but first season in CBA

Prior Winners of Note: Cazzie Russell (1981), Tony Campbell (1988), Miles Simon (2002), James Thomas (2006)

ERICK BARKLEY, INDIANA ALLEY CATS

Leads CBA with 3.0 steals per game; fourth in assists (4.6 apg), eighth in league scoring with 19.5 ppg. Free throw percentage is second-best in league (89%).

CBA NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD (cont'd)

ODELL BRADLEY, BUTTE DAREDEVILS

Leading scorer for Daredevils with 18.6 ppg; scored season-high 38 points on February 10, 2007 against Yakama.

RAY CUNINGHAM, MINOT SKYROCKETS

Second in team scoring with 18.5 ppg, among the top players in total rebounds (7.7 rpg) and offensive rebounds (2.5 orpg).

FELIPE LOPEZ, ALBANY PATROONS

Veteran leadership with Patroons; averages 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg. Had season-high 32 points on Feb. 11, 2007 against Indiana Alley Cats.

CBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Established 1991; Prior Winners of Note: Stephen Bardo (1993, 1994), James "Bull" Martin (1999), DeSean Hadley (2004), Noel Felix (2006)

ERICK BARKLEY, INDIANA ALLEY CATS

Leads CBA with 3.0 steals per game; had eight steals in single game against Butte (Jan 27 2007).

KENYON GAMBLE, MINOT SKYROCKETS

Second in league with 2.6 blocked shots per game; averages 5.9 rebounds per game, 4.5 ppg.

JAMARIO MOON, ALBANY PATROONS

At or near the top of most defensive categories, including 2.6 blocks per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, 2.0 steals per game. Had league season-high nine blocked shots on January 26, 2007 against Pittsburgh.

NICK VANDERLAAN, BUTTE DAREDEVILS

King of the rebounds this season, and a fan favorite among the Daredevil faithful. VanderLaan's 11.2 rpg leads the entire CBA, including a 25-board game against the woeful Utah Eagles on January 20, 2007. Also averages 12.6 points per game.

CBA COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Established 1960; renamed the Stan Novak Coach of the Year Award in 1996

Prior Winners of Note: Stan Novak (1962, 65, 69, 71, 72, 77), Chick Craig (1966, 1975), Mauro Panaggio (1979, 1986, 1993), Phil Jackson (1985), George Karl (1983, 1991), Flip Saunders (1989, 1992), Dave Joerger (2002, 2004), Jaren Jackson (2006)

STEVE AGGERS, GREAT FALLS EXPLORERS

Molded expansion franchise into second place in CBA's National Division. Stitched together several winning streaks, pulled the most out of veterans and new talent.

CHRIS DALEO, MINOT SKYROCKETS

Has guided an expansion franchise with core veterans and young talent to top of American Division. Led his club to 11-game winning streak in February.

CARLOS KNOX, INDIANA ALLEY CATS

Eight-game winning streak in January 2007 with expansion Alley Cats; opponents never get an easy win in the CBA's most intimate building (the Anderson Wigwam).

MICHEAL RAY RICHARDSON, ALBANY PATROONS

Created second-year turnaround from 20-28 franchise to top of the division earlier this season. Was CBA Coach of the Month for December 1996; was All-Star American Division head coach of 2007 CBA All-Star Classic.

PAUL WOOLPERT, YAKAMA SUN KINGS

Woolpert's Sun Kings are on pace to produce one of the top winning percentages in CBA history. Woolpert was CBA Coach of the Month for January 2007; was All-Star National Division head coach and winning coach of 2007 CBA All-Star Classic.

DESMOND FERGUSON CLOSING IN ON 3-POINT RECORD

Desmond Ferguson's sharpshooting skills from behind the arc is paying major dividends for the Minot Skyrockets, who are current atop the CBA's American Division standings. Currently Ferguson has completed 118 of 230 shots "from downtown," averaging a 51% accuracy rate. Already the CBA record-holder for most 3-pointers in a game (13, Great Lakes Storm on Dec. 23, 2002 v. Rockford Lightning), Ferguson now has a legitimate shot at breaking the record for most 3-pointers completed in a single season (175 by Carl Thomas, who split the 1994-95 season between the Grand Rapids Mackers and the Fort Wayne Fury).

The top 15 single-season 3-point leaders are listed in this week's edition of CBA Weekly, and will continue to be updated as Ferguson moves up the list.

DESMOND FERGUSON REPEATS AS CBA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Minot Skyrockets guard continues 3-point scoring barrage

The Continental Basketball Association is pleased to announce that Minot Skyrockets guard Desmond Ferguson has earned CBA Player of the Week honors for the week ending February 26, 2007. This is the second consecutive week that Ferguson has earned this honor, and the third week that a player from the Skyrockets has been tabbed with Player of the Week accolades.

In two games against the Albany Patroons, Ferguson continued his attack on the three-point scoring record by hitting nine of 11 3-pointers for 41 points in a 111-104 [5-2] Minot loss on Friday, February 23. The next night, Ferguson was again the high scorer for the Skyrockets, going 5-7 from behind the arc and notching 37 points in a 123-118 [5-2] Minot victory, helping the Skyrockets reach the top of the American Division. Ferguson was so dominant from behind the arc, that every time he even touched the ball or launched a shot toward the rim, the Albany fans groaned with a collective "Oh no, not again," and then a few seconds later, "Oh no, he did it again," as three more points went up on the scoreboard.

In his last four Skyrockets contests, Ferguson has hit 29 of 39 3-pointers for a blistering 74% accuracy rate. His total 118 3-pointers this season is more than 40 completions higher than the 75 achieved by Robert Griffin (Pittsburgh). His current season-high 51% 3-point accuracy rate is 5 percentage points higher than his Eddy Barlow (Yakama, 46%).

Other players receiving consideration for Player of the Week honors are:

Eric Williams, Pittsburgh Xplosion

Kwan Johnson, Albany Patroons

Nick VanderLaan, Butte Daredevils

Carl Edwards, Indiana Alley Cats

Malik Moore, Great Falls Explorers

RECENT CBA TRANSACTIONS

February 24, 2007

Great Falls Explorers signed F Paul McMillan.

February 23, 2007

Minot Skyrockets signed G Melvin Scott.

Albany Patroons signed G Kareem Reid. Activated F Gordon Klaiber.

Pittsburgh Xplosion activated C Greg Jenkins. Released G Lonnie Randolph at 1 PM EST.

February 21, 2007

Great Falls Explorers placed G Marlyn Bryant on Injured Reserve.

Minot Skyrockets placed G Darnell Miller on Inactive Reserve.

February 20, 2007

Albany Patroons placed G T.J. Thompson on Inactive Reserve. Placed F Gordon Klaiber on Injured Reserve, retroactive to 2/13/07.

Indiana Alley Cats signed G Lester Jones. Placed G J.J. Sullinger on Inactive Reserve.

TEAM REPORTS

Albany Patroons (20-14, 134.0 QP, 3.94 AVG, 2nd place, American Conference)

The Patroons did not have a good start to their week in Anderson - Albany, only able to dress seven men due to injuries to both Reggie Jessie and Gordon Klaiber, put up a brave fight, but in the end the Pats lost to the Alley Cats 136-118 [6-1]. Six of seven Patroons on the floor scored in double figures, led by double-doubles by Felipe Lopez (29 pts, 11 rebs) and Jamario Moon (16 pts, 10 rebs). Next up was a trip to the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, where they became the first team this season to lose a second game to the Pittsburgh Xplosion, 95-91 [5-2]. Chris Sockwell led the Green and Gold with 22 points and 10 boards, while Jamario Moon added 18 points and 11 rebounds. A battle for first place in the American Conference took place at the Armory over the weekend as the Patroons split two games with the Minot Skyrockets, winning the first contest on Friday night 111-104 [5-2], but dropping the second game 123-118 [5-2]. Carl Mitchell paced the Pats with 29 points and 11 rebounds; newly-acquired guard Kareem Reid also earned a double-double, with 13 points and 11 assists in the Friday night contest. On Saturday night's loss, Kwan Johnson hit seven of ten 3-pointers en route to 33 points; Carl Mitchell added another double-double to his resume with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Butte Daredevils (17-19, 117.5 QP, 3.26 AVG, 3rd place, National Conference)

The Butte Daredevils could not fire on all cylinders, and crashed in front of Great Falls 116-102 [6-1]. Odell Bradley had 30 points to lead the Copper City five, while Anthony Richardson could only muster 6 rebounds to go with his 24 points. Nick VanderLaan had an off-night, notching only four points and two boards against his team's in-state rivals. Butte then headed east, to take on the Pittsburgh Xplosion for a two-game series. The first game, held Thursday night at the Petersen Events Center, saw the Daredevils leap over the Xplosion, 109-106 [4.5-2.5]. Nick VanderLaan regained his scoring touch, leading the team with 30 points and 12 rebounds on the night; Odartey Blankson added 22 points to aid the Daredevils in the cause. The second game in Pittsburgh, however, was a dogfight, with the Daredevils coming up short 123-111 [6-1]. David Bell dropped 30 points, including 7 3-pointers; although Nick VanderLaan had 13 rebounds on the night, he could only add nine points on the scoreboard.

Great Falls Explorers (20-16, 135.5 QP, 3.76 AVG, 2nd place, National Conference)

The Great Falls Explorers strengthened their hold on second place with a 116-102 [6-1] win over the Butte Daredevils. Eric Strand (26 pts) and Keith Salscheider (25 pts) led the Explorers in the game, while Travis Garrison's 18 points were complimented with 14 rebounds. Next up was a trip to the Wigwam for a two-game series with the Indiana Alley Cats - the Explorers took the first contest on Friday night, 117-112 [6-1], with seven Blue and Whites scoring in double figures, led by Travis Garrison's 19 points and Eric Strand's 16 markers (including going 4-4 from 3-point range). Great Falls almost took the second game on Sunday night, with a slim 107-106 lead into the overtime stanza - but a clutch field goal from Indiana's Carl Edwards sent Great Falls home with a 108-107 [5.5-1.5] loss. Jamar Howard's 24 points led the Explorers, while Malik Moore pulled a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists.

Indiana Alley Cats (20-16, 133.5 QP, 3.71 AVG, 3rd place, American Conference)

The Alley Cats started the week by hosting their in-conference rivals, the Albany Patroons, at the Anderson Wigwam. The Cats stormed off to a strong victory, 136-118 [6-1], and Carl Edwards was top Cat with 34 points on the night; Shaun Fountain and newly-acquired Chandler Thompson, with 27 and 23 points, respectively, also scored well for the Cats. Indiana was able to capitalize on turnovers, forcing 23 on Albany while only giving up 12 of their own - and winning the battle of steals, robbing Albany 16 times against the Pats' two thefts. Next up was a two-game series at home against the visiting Great Falls Explorers. Indiana lost the first game on Friday night 117-112 [6-1], despite 27 points and four steals from Carl Edwards; as well as 27 points, 8 boards and 5 assists from Chandler Thompson. Game two of the series, played on Sunday night, turned into a classic, as the Cats pulled out a 108-107 [5.5-1.5] overtime victory. Down by one point with five seconds left in overtime, the Cats called time out - then Chandler Thompson fed Carl Edwards for the game-winning field goal. Edwards' 25 points led the Cats in scoring; Romeo Augustine stepped up with 14 rebounds to lead Indiana in that category.

Minot Skyrockets (22-12, 138.0 QP, 4.06 AVG, 1st place, American Conference)

The Minot Skyrockets' 11-game winning streak was snapped by the Albany Patroons as part of a two-game weekend series at the Armory, as Minot lost 111-104 [5-2]. Despite the loss, Desmond Ferguson continued his torrid stroke from behind the arc, dropping nine of 11 3-pointers for 41 points on the night - more than twice the scoring of his teammate Jason Smith, who added 20 for the Magic City five. Minot rebounded on Saturday night, when they avenged their loss to the Patroons by winning 123-118 [5-2]. Desmond Ferguson again was the high scorer for Minot, going 5-7 from behind the arc and notching 37 points, with every three-pointer eliciting the begrudged respect of the Patroons home crowd.

Pittsburgh Xplosion (3-29, 57.0 QP, 1.78 AVG, 4th place, American Conference)

The Xplosion nabbed their fourth and fifth wins of the season, with both victories coming against franchises they have beaten before. On Wednesday night against the Albany Patroons, Pittsburgh eked out a 95-91 [5-2] come-from-behind victory at the Petersen Events Center. Rob Griffin scored a game-high 29 points, while Lewis Monroe posted a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, as the Black and Gold overcame a 15-point deficit in the third quarter. It was former Patroon Eric Williams, who finished the game with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, sealing the victory for the Xplosion with his two key free throws in the final seconds of play. The Steel City crew then hosted the Butte Daredevils at Petersen, but came up short with a 109-106 [4.5-2.5] loss. Robert Griffin's 22 points was aided by five 3-pointers; while teammate Corey Minnifield's 22 points were augmented with 10 boards. The return match provided the Xplosion fans with something they hadn't seen all year - a dominating beatdown by their hometown Steel City five against the Butte Daredevils, 123-111 [6-1]. Kevin Pittsnogle recovered his scoring touch, hitting 23 points and going 5-7 from behind the arc. Lewis Monroe earned a nice double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.

Yakama Sun Kings (24-9, 156.0 QP, 4.73 AVG, 1st place, National Conference)

The Yakama Sun Kings did not play any games this week.

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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from February 28, 2007

• Patroons Handle the Alley Cats Easily - Indiana AlleyCats
• Ferguson Repeats as Player of the Week - Minot Skyrockets
• CBA weekly - CBA 1
• Desmond Ferguson repeats as CBA Player of the Week - CBA 1

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.