Chicago Blaze Optimistic for Home Opener
January 16, 2004 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Naperville, IL - The Chicago Blaze will open the 2004 NWBL season on Sunday afternoon at 3 PM versus the Colorado Chill, led by WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley. Riley leads a host of WNBA players on the Chill team including guards Edna Campbell (Sacramento Monarchs), Helen Darling (Minnesota Lynx), and forwards Allison Curtain (Detroit Shock) and Jill Chapman-Daily (Detroit Shock).
The Blaze played an exhibition game this past Sunday against the NWBL All-Stars. Team President, Joseph McCoy was asked his thoughts on the exhibition game, "It gave us an opportunity for the fans to touch the team and for the organization to do a dry run off the court. I had some great conversations with several of the fans who offered suggestions for different things to try. We're anxious to incorporate those ideas into Sunday's game. We want to give the fans what they want, and to make sure it's a great experience for everyone."
Although the exhibition was a rout, the Blaze know that there is much work to be done. "This was the first time that we really played together since we started practicing," said Blaze guard Jamie Redd. "There is so much more work to do before Sunday. Colorado is basically a WNBA team and we have to be ready. I think the fans will really be in for a treat." Coach Littlejohn is anxious to open up, "I can not tell you how excited I am for Sunday to get here. If you (the fans) have never seen a professional women's basketball game, you will really have a special experience on Sunday."
The Chicago Blaze is entering its third season in the NWBL. The Blaze will play a 22 game schedule from January 11-March 23 and will play its home games at Merner Fieldhouse located at North Central College in Naperville, IL. The teams with the top four records will make the playoffs.
The National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) showcases professional women basketball players from across the nation, including players from the WNBA who choose to stay in the U.S. to play during the off-season. The season is played from January through April and the teams include the Birmingham Power, CHICAGO BLAZE, Colorado Chill, Dallas Fury, Houston Stealth, and Springfield Spirit. For more information on the NWBL and the Chicago Blaze, visit www.nwbl.com/blaze.
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National Women's Basketball League Stories from January 16, 2004
- Colorado Chill Opens Season Saturday - Colorado Chill
- Chicago Blaze Sign WNBA's Mfon Udoka - Chicago Blaze
- Spirit To Tip Off Season - Springfield Spirit
- Chicago Blaze Optimistic for Home Opener - Chicago Blaze
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