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Explosion Welcomes Back Powell and Murray from Dubia

June 6, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


MONROE, Wash. - June 6, 2008 - Justin Murray and Rashaad Powell will make their season debut this Sunday in Portland, Ore. after returning from a three-month hiatus to play in Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates).

Justin Murray began his basketball career playing at the Boys and Girls Club of his home town of Tacoma, Wash. He played for the Cougars at Washington State University before joining the Bellevue Blackhawks (ABA) in 2004. Murray averaged 12.5 points-per-game with the Blackhawks, shooting 45 percent from the three-point line. He later played for the Tacoma Thunder (IBL) and was an IBL All-Star during his first season with the Explosion (2007).

Rashaad Powell, originally from Renton, Wash., attended the University of Idaho where he was voted Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Powell also joined the Bellevue Blackhawks in 2004, shooting 43% from the field goal line, and averaging 13.3 points per game. He was named the 2006 IBL All-Star Game MVP and was ranked sixth in the nation for points per game (28.4).

"It's perfect timing," said Brad Sturlaugson, general manager of the Explosion. "We're gaining valuable leadership and experience for the team right before heading into the playoffs."

The Explosion have a 10-8 record and will play the Portland Chinooks at 3pm (PST) Sunday, June 8th at the Salvation Army Gym in Portland, Ore. (5335 N. Williams Ave. Portland, OR 97217). For more information, contact Eric Bailey at (503) 720-5116.

Tickets are also on sale for the 2008 IBL Western Division Championships at Monroe High School hosted by the Snohomish County Explosion! The weekend kicks-off with the first round playoffs on Friday, June 27th, followed by semi-final games on Saturday, June 28th, and the All-Star Game, 3-Point Shoot-out and Slam Dunk Contest followed by the Championship game on Sunday, June 29th. To get your IBL Western Division Championship weekend pass call 425-339-BALL (2255) today!

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