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Dream season ends in nightmare

March 24, 2005 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Great Lakes Storm News Release


Birch Run, MI (March 24, 2005) – The Storm couldn't have asked for a better scenario as they took the lead on a lay-up by James Head with seven seconds to go in Game 5 of their first ever playoff series. Leading 104-102, all they needed was one defensive stop and with that stop they would have punched their ticket to the franchise's first ever CBA Finals. However, the dream ending soon turned into a nightmare as a controversial foul call resulted in three made free throws by Brian Lubeck. After an airball by Joe Dabbert at the buzzer the Lightning bolted out of town with a 105-104 victory and a trip to the CBA Finals.

Despite the sour ending to the season, the Storm should be proud of the outstanding season and first ever trip to the postseason. Here are some highlights from the 2004-05 season.

Finished regular season as the Eastern Conference Champions with a record of 28-20.

The 28 wins and 189.5 quarter-points were both team records. Previous highs were 19 wins and 137.5 quarter-points.

Made the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

Coach Bergman was named Coach of the Month for the month of January. For the month, he led the Storm to a 9-2 record (5-1 at home; 4-1 on the road) and a 5.1 quarter-point average. Also led team to a franchise best nine-game winning streak.

Great Lakes Storm Players won Player of the Week nine times throughout the 2004-05 season. Ezra Williams (2), Jackie Butler (2), Jermaine Jackson (3), Mark Jones (1), and Joe Dabbert (1) were the players awarded for their outstanding play.

Three Great Lakes Storm players were called-up to the NBA this season. The three players were Jackie Butler (New York Knicks), Jermaine Jackson (New York Knicks), and Mark Jones (Orlando Magic).

Jackie Butler was named Rookie of the Year as he averaged 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He finished fourth in the league with 23 double-doubles.

Storm Head Coach Russ Bergman was named Coach of the Year as he turned a losing franchise into a winner in his first season at the helm.

Three Great Lakes Storm players were named to the All-League First and Second Team. Jackie Butler made the First Team, while Ezra Williams and Mark Jones made the Second Team.

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The Storm would like to thank their sponsors and fans for their support throughout the record-breaking season.

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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.

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